The first tropical cyclone of 2023 to make direct impact on North Carolina brought rain and winds to eastern parts of the state, with high surf and dangerous rip currents along all of the beaches and a threat of overwash at vulnerable locations on the Outer Banks.
Friday, 7 a.m.
All roads and bridges are open across the Greater Outer Banks the morning after Idalia’s trip across eastern North Carolina. There are still reports of some standing water along area roads, and some debris, mainly from the rainwater that fell yesterday.
Latest travel report from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office:
Oregon Inlet: From the Marc Basnight Bridge to the Jug Handle Bridge, there is blowing sand, with a few spots collecting on NC 12. There is minimal standing water in normal low spots. All very passable.
Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo: There is approximately 2 inches of standing rainwater in both lanes of NC 12 in the Waterfall Park area and 4-6 inches of water in both lanes at Wind Over Waves.
Frisco: There are a few spots of standing rainwater in both lanes of NC 12 near Frisco Woods Campground.
Hatteras: There is approximately 6 inches of water in both lanes of NC 12 at Sandy Bay and up to 6 inches at Hatteras Village Marina in both lanes.
Water levels along soundside areas of Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras and Ocracoke slowly rose to about 1.5 feet above ground in some locations last night, and has since receded as winds have decreased and shifted to a more northeasterly direction.
On the oceanside, there was no overwash with the Thursday evening high tide. High tide today is around 9 a.m., but other than wave run up to the dunes no overwash is expected.
Travel along the four-wheel drive beach north of Corolla, and the ORV beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, will likely remain difficult at times over the next couple of days.
Dangerous surf and a high risk of rip currents remains along all beaches of the Outer Banks, and is expected to continue through the weekend.
State officials are advising against swimming in the ocean and sounds, or eating shellfish from coastal waters, until water quality tests can be conducted.
The North Carolina Ferry System has resumed service on the Ocracoke routes, after crews and the Coast Guard conducted channel inspections this morning. Passengers can receive real time text or email alerts on service status from their preferred routes by signing up for the Ferry Information Notification System (FINS) at www.ncdot.gov/fins. System-wide route status updates will also be posted on the Ferry Division’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
The National Park Service is reopening its facilities today, except for the Cape Point and Ocracoke campgrounds due to high water levels.
National Weather Service seven-day forecasts for:
LIVE data from flood gauges at key locations throughout North Carolina, including automated email and text alerts, visit https://fiman.nc.gov/
Sign up for emergency alerts from Dare County and its municipalities. Beach safety and rip current information can be found at LoveTheBeachRespectTheOcean.com.
Currituck County provides beach safety and emergency updates for Corolla and the mainland via Currituck Alert.
For the latest images from NCDOT traffic cameras on the Outer Banks and northeastern North Carolina, visit: https://wobx.com/2022/06/01/outer-banks-northeastern-north-carolina-traffic-cameras/.
LIVE video from Kitty Hawk, courtesy Twiddy & Co.:
LIVE video from Rodanthe, courtesy RodanthePierLLC.com:
Click to watch LIVE video from Corolla, courtesy Currituck County/WebCOOS
Thursday, 6 p.m.
We are watching the tide gauges along the soundside of southern Hatteras Island and in Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke slowly rise.
And with winds expected to remain between 25 and 40 mph out of the north through sunrise Friday, the forecast of water levels of as much as 3 feet above ground level along the backside of Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras and Ocracoke appears to be verifying.
A Coastal Flood Warning continues for the Outer Banks, mainly for the threat of oceanside water level rises but also for the potential of minor soundside flooding into Friday morning.
Links to the tide gauges at Hatteras Harbor, Slash Creek, Scotch Bonnet Marina in Frisco, Cape Creek in Buxton, and Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke can be found at fiman.nc.gov.
National Park Service to reopen facilities Friday, Cape Point and Ocracoke campgrounds to remain closed
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial plan to reopen all facilities, except for Cape Point and Ocracoke campgrounds, at normal times tomorrow, Sept. 1.
While conditions associated with Tropical Storm Idalia are improving, standing water and sand on many roads continue to be a hazard for travelers on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Additionally, the National Weather Service forecast indicates that ocean over wash is likely to occur along vulnerable portions of N.C. Highway 12 during high tide cycles this evening and that elevated water levels may occur through multiple tide cycles through Saturday morning. Travel through vulnerable areas around high tide this evening should be avoided.
Vulnerable portions of N.C. Highway 12 include:
- Ocracoke Island – along a two-mile stretch of highway south of off-road vehicle ramp 59
- Southern Hatteras Island – between the villages of Hatteras and Frisco
- Central Hatteras Island – along the northern boundary of Buxton and along Ocean View Drive in Avon
- Northern Hatteras Island – along N.C. Highway 12, old N.C. Highway 12 and several side streets in northern Rodanthe, and between the Pea Island Visitor Center and Basnight Bridge.
Travelers should monitor road conditions at https://drivenc.gov.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Campgrounds
Due to a significant amount of rainfall over a short period of time, most camp sites at Cape Point and Ocracoke campgrounds are currently unusable. These campgrounds will reopen when possible. The Oregon Inlet and Frisco campgrounds will reopen at 3 p.m. Sept. 1, for those with reservations. Reservations and payments for camp sites can be made at www.recreation.gov.
Swimming
State of North Carolina recreational water quality officials are advising the public to avoid swimming in North Carolina coastal waters from Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk south to the South Carolina State Line affected by Tropical Storm Idalia. State officials plan to begin testing waters as soon as conditions are safe and areas accessible. For more information on the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program, visit the program’s website.
Beach Driving
The next two high tide cycles are expected to create unfavorable beach driving conditions. Drivers should use caution if attempting to travel along off-road vehicle routes on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Visit http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess for current beach access information.
Rodanthe Beach
Visitors should continue to avoid the beach between the north end of Rodanthe and South Shore Drive until ocean conditions improve.
Educational Programs and Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing
Educational programs and Bodie Island lighthouse climbing opportunities return to normal schedules Friday, Sept. 1.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Educational programs resume at normal times Friday, Sept. 1. View the park’s calendar for full schedule.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial reopens at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1. View the park’s calendar for a listing of educational programs.
Thursday, 5 p.m.
Idalia is now officially a Post-Tropical Cyclone, but it’s not quite done with being tropical, or with the Greater Outer Banks.
All Tropical Storm Warnings and Storm Surge Watches have been discontinued along the coast of North Carolina. Gusts to tropical storm force are still possible along the coast of North Carolina through tonight.
Water levels remain elevated at the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas but should subside overnight: Ocracoke Inlet to Duck oceanfront 1-to-3 feet, Pamlico and Pungo Rivers 1-to-3 feet.
High tide is coming up around 8 p.m., with the oceanside expected to see the highest water levels so far which could lead to more overwash along the trouble spots on Pea Island, Rodanthe and between Frisco and Hatteras. Travel along the four-wheel drive beach north of Corolla will not be safe this evening.
And reports are the water is coming up slowly on the soundside of Hatteras village.
Swells generated by Idalia will affect the southeastern U.S. coast during the next few days, and are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
A HIGH RISK of rip currents is forecast for Friday along the beaches from the state line to Cape Lookout, and No Swimming flags will continue flying the length of the Outer Banks.
In Hatteras village, volunteer firefighters responded to a blaze Thursday morning at an unoccupied house on Kohler Drive. The Island Free Press has more on the story.
Our Rodanthe pal Brad Hanson has video from this morning’s high tide at Mirlo Beach.
He also shared photos from the Rodanthe Pier this afternoon:
3 p.m.
Latest update from Dare County Government:
Tropical Storm Idalia has moved off the coast of North Carolina and into the Atlantic Ocean; however, the system will continue to have lingering effects and impacts for our area this evening and into Friday, September 1, 2023.
Due to the high amount of rainfall that has occurred as the storm passed through, there remains a significant amount of standing water and sand on many roadways—particularly those located on Hatteras Island. In addition, ocean overwash may occur during this evening’s high tide, which is approximately 8:30 p.m.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) advises residents and visitors to minimize travel on N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island—especially during high tide—and to exercise caution if travel is necessary. If you must go out, be aware that NCDOT crews are working to clear the roadways and shore up the protective dune. Be sure to slow down and allow them plenty of room to complete their work.
For updates regarding road conditions, please visit DriveNC.gov and follow North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCDOT NC 12 on Facebook. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office also shares local road condition updates on their Facebook page.
An increased risk of rough surf and strong rip currents will continue throughout the weekend along all Dare County beaches. Swimmers are advised to adhere to any red flag warnings and to stay out of the ocean due to these extremely dangerous surf conditions.
Thursday 2 p.m.
Standing rainwater up to a foot deep was reported earlier throughout Ocracoke village, after 7.6 inches of rain has fallen from Idalia since midnight. Some of that water has receded according to the latest reports.
But there is a chance there could be some water level rises again from the Pamlico Sound, if winds shift to a more north-northwesterly direction as Idalia moves farther away from the coast.
Other rainfall amounts across the Greater Outer Banks reported to https://maps.cocorahs.org/ as of 2 p.m.:
1:45 p.m.
From the Town of Manteo:
Thursday 1 p.m.
From Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson:
Lots of standing water left from the rain on most roads with significant coverage of roads on Hatteras. It will take some time for the water drain off so please exercise caution if travel is needed.
This evening’s high tide could still bring ocean overwash to vulnerable locations mainly on Hatteras. NCDOT crews, as always, are on top of things so please give them a break and slow down where they are working.
The OCEAN will REMAIN HAZARDOUS into the weekend so please keep up the push to keep swimmers out of the water! Hope things dry out quickly for everyone and that you all have a great holiday weekend!
Thursday 12:30 p.m.
From College of the Albemarle:
College of The Albemarle will follow normal operations for Friday, September 1, 2023. Employees should report as normal. Students should report for their classes as scheduled. If students have any questions, they should contact their instructor(s). As always, we cannot judge local conditions throughout the seven counties in our service area, so we encourage everyone to use their best judgment regarding travel and attendance decisions.
Thursday, 12:20 p.m.
The National Weather Service in Newport has issued their final briefing on Idalia. Rain is subsiding across the region, while northeasterly winds will remain gusty through this evening. The biggest threat continues to be flooding along portions of the Pamlico Sound, and along the oceanfront with tonight’s high tide.
More from MHX Warning Coordinator Meteorologist Erik Heden:
Thursday 12 p.m.
From Dare County Emergency Management Director, Drew Pearson:
Update from NCDOT. Still experiencing moderate to very heavy rain and wind gusts to 70.
N.C. 12: No ocean over wash at AM high tide. Expect over wash at PM tide with forecast winds not to diminish until tomorrow afternoon. Crews are clearing sand and pushing up dune today. All Roads remain passable with blown sand and many locations with standing water from heavy rain. Crews will be out monitoring conditions 8:30 PM tide.
Update from Town of Nags Head:
Tropical Storm Idalia is moving away from us. We’ve had rain, wind, and high surf, but nothing too terrible, thankfully. Be prepared for ponding on our streets and drive slowly. Red, no swimming flags may be flying for a few more days.
Thursday 11:30 a.m.
Surf still churning at the jetties near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Oh, Charley!
Idalia and Franklin made for stunning satellite images this morning.
Latest road conditions update in Dare County:
State recreational water quality officials are advising the public to avoid swimming in North Carolina coastal waters from the Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk south to the South Carolina State Line affected by Tropical Storm Idalia.
Heavy winds and rain have negatively impacted coastal waters. According to a press release, waters affected by stormwater runoff can contain elevated levels of harmful bacteria that drain into coastal water bodies. The excess rain has caused flooding of streets, yards and housing that have resulted in some municipalities having to pump floodwaters into the ocean. Avoid swimming near ocean outfalls, including the wet sand where the floodwater is pumped, even if no sign is posted.
“Severe weather events like tropical storms and hurricanes bring excessive amounts of rain, storm surge and cause extreme flooding. These conditions increase levels of harmful bacteria in our coastal waters that can cause illness,” said Erin Bryan-Millush, manager of the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program. “The sources of bacteria can vary and include failing septic systems, sewer line breaks and overflowing manholes.”
While state officials do not have immediate laboratory confirmation that disease-causing organisms are in the water, storm impacts increase the chance that contamination is present thus increasing the risk of adverse health effects from swimming in these waters.
Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in these waters until bacteriological testing indicates sample results within the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards. Testing will begin as soon as conditions are safe and areas are accessible. The advisory will be lifted in part or in whole as test results become available.
Thursday 11 a.m.
The center of Idalia continues to move offshore, and there has been some reduction in the intensity of the rainfall over the region.
Radar at 10:40 a.m.:
Flash flood warnings continue for lower Hatteras Island, southern Currituck County and southern Chowan County. A Flood Watch remains in effect for all of northeastern North Carolina through this evening.
The threat of flooding will continue along the southwest and western shores of the Pamlico Sound, soundside areas of Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras village and Ocracoke, and the oceanfront of the Outer Banks.
Crews continue to work on the scattered power outages reported across the region, with a sizeable outage on Bells Island in Currituck County eliminated a short time ago.
Thursday 10:30 a.m.
A Flash Flood Warning continues for Hatteras Island until 12:15 p.m., as more than 6 inches of rain has now fallen in some locations and more rain is possible.
The Island Free Press reports flooding on N.C. Highway 12 on Thursday due to heavy rainfall and minor ocean overwash, and any unnecessary travel should be avoided.
Thursday 9:20 a.m.
The National Weather Service has raised the forecast for the next high tide this evening at Duck to go into Major Flood Stage and peak at 6.6 ft MLLW.
Swells are combining with a King Tide, when the moon is at its closest orbit to the Earth, which increases tidal heights.
Travel to-and-from the four-wheel drive beaches north of Corolla could become difficult, and overwash may cause issues along N.C. 12 on Pea Island between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, at the Sandy Bay access between Frisco and Hatteras village, and on the north end of Ocracoke Island.
The National Park Service advises that a two-mile stretch of beach off Rodanthe between Mirlo Beach and South Shore Drive should be avoided due to the continued presence of vulnerable houses that may be damaged by rough surf and strong winds.
Thursday 9:15 a.m.:
Power outages around the region as of 9 a.m.
Thursday 9 a.m.
Water is standing on the old N.C. 12 at Mirlo Beach, from both rainfall and overwash.
There has been some overwash at Sandy Bay between Frisco and Hatteras, but the main issues on southern Hatteras Island has been the more than 5 inches of rain that has fallen so far.
Top wind gusts from around the region:
Buxton (WxFlow), 58 MPH, 0347 AM
Avon (WxFlow), 54 MPH, 0403 AM
Oregon Inlet CG (WxFlow), 53 MPH, 0716 AM
Nags Head, 52 MPH, 0543 AM
Real Slick (WxFlow), 52 MPH, 0657 AM
Oregon Inlet (WxFlow), 51 MPH, 0720 AM
ECU Coastal Studies Institut, 50 MPH, 0540 AM
KHK Resort (WxFlow), 50 MPH, 0658 AM
Frisco (HSE ASOS), 48 MPH, 0342 AM
Manteo (MQI AWOS), 45 MPH, 0525 AM
Southern Shores 1.7 NNW, 40 MPH, 0628 AM
Dare Co Gnry Ran (2DP AWOS), 39 MPH, 0715 AM
Hatteras High (WxFlow), 39 MPH, 0246 AM
Kill Devil Hills (FFA AWOS), 37 MPH, 0550 AM
Rainfall totals:
Buxton RAWS, 5.35 in, 0730 AM
Hatteras 0.6 SW, 5.34 in, 0700 AM
Rodanthe 1.0 SSE, 4.01 in, 0700 AM
Southern Shores 1.9 NNW, 2.07 in, 0700 AM
Kill Devil Hills 2.2 NNW, 2.00 in, 0700 AM
Columbia 0.8 NNE, 3.06 in, 0700 AM
Gum Neck (COOP), 3.03 in, 0600 AM
Plymouth 12.2 SSE, 2.99 in, 0536 AM
Roper 2.4 NE, 2.73 in, 0700 AM
Pocosin Lakes RAWS, 2.15 in, 0517 AM
Thursday, 8 a.m.
Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson shared the following road conditions update just after 7 a.m.:
All primary routes and secondary routes have areas of standing water from heavy rain no issues reported and no closed routes. No ocean over wash reported. No structural damage to any roadway or drainage system found.
N.C. 12:
Kitty Hawk – Blown sand and standing water – Passable.
Pea Island- Blown sand skim covering road with visibility from blowing sand diminished. Standing water at many locations. Traffic is moving slowly.
Tri Villages to Avon- Standing water at many locations – Passable.
Buxton to Hatteras -Blown sand with sand skim on roadway at usual locations and standing water. Passable.
Ocracoke – Blown sand with skim of sand on roadway standing water. Passable.
View of Jennette’s Pier at 7:40 a.m.
LIVE video from Kitty Hawk, courtesy Twiddy & Co.:
Our view this morning along the mainland side of Currituck Sound:
A little sporty on the Currituck Sound this morning #obx #ncwx #idalia #yestv (credit Sam Walker/WOBX.com, Waterlily, NC) pic.twitter.com/pzFZCmnRsu
— Sam Walker OBX🎙📻📰🥍🦓 (@SamWalkerOBX) August 31, 2023
A high risk of rip currents continues along all North Carolina beaches, and some erosion and overwash has been reported with the last several high tide cycles.
Swimmers are not allowed in the ocean above their knees along Carova Beach, Swan Beach, Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, South Nags Head, Bodie Island, Pea Island, Roadanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras village and all of Ocracoke Island.
High tide on the oceanside of the Outer Banks is around 9 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service noted that eight people died along the U.S. coast, including two on the Outer Banks, as a result of rip currents created by Hurricane Lorenzo when it passed well offshore in fall 2019. That’s more than total number of deaths from all hazards from Hurricane Dorian, which made landfall near Cape Hatteras less than a month earlier and flooded Ocracoke with a record eight-foot soundside storm surge.
Along with the threat of rip currents, the swells are combining with a King Tide, when the moon is at its closest orbit to the Earth, which increases tidal heights.
Travel to-and-from the four-wheel drive beaches north of Corolla could become difficult, and overwash may cause issues along N.C. 12 on Pea Island between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe, at the Sandy Bay access between Frisco and Hatteras village, and on the north end of Ocracoke Island.
The National Park Service advises that a two-mile stretch of beach off Rodanthe between Mirlo Beach and South Shore Drive should be avoided due to the continued presence of vulnerable houses that may be damaged by rough surf and strong winds.
Updates from state and local government agecnies and schools
Due to anticipated impacts from Idalia, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division will be suspending service on most routes Thursday, Aug. 31.
“Safety is always our top priority,” said Interim Ferry Division Director Jed Dixon. “Between heavy rain, tropical storm-force winds, and extreme tidal conditions, we are suspending service to protect our passengers, employees and vessels.”
The status of N.C. Ferry routes for Thursday will be as follows:
- Southport-Fort Fisher: Service suspended
- Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach: Service suspended
- Bayview-Aurora: Service suspended
- Cedar Island-Ocracoke: Service suspended
- Swan Quarter-Ocracoke: Service suspended
- Hatteras-Ocracoke: Service suspended after the 4:30 a.m. departure from Ocracoke
- Currituck-Knotts Island: Will assess conditions in the morning to determine if service is possible.
All suspended routes will resume service as soon as it is safe to do so. Passengers can receive real time text or email alerts from their preferred routes by signing up for the Ferry Information Notification System (FINS) at www.ncdot.gov/fins. System-wide route status updates will also be posted on the Ferry Division’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
All facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will be closed Thursday, Aug. 31, due to expected tropical storm strength winds and heavy rainfall. Once post-storm assessments are completed, facilities at the three parks will reopen to the public.
Dare County Schools will have a remote learning day on Thursday. Friday is an optional teacher workday.
Tyrrell County Schools will have remote learning days on Thursday and Friday.
Currituck County Schools will be closed for students on Thursday, August 31, and Friday, September 1.
Students at J.P. Knapp Early College will have a remote learning day on Thursday, August 31, and no school on Friday, September 1. Information about remote learning will be shared with students and families directly from JP Knapp Early College.
All College of The Albemarle (COA) campuses will be closed on Thursday, August 31, 2023. All COA classes and activities are canceled. Students will not report for in-person or web conferencing classes on Thursday.
Students should check their email for additional information from their instructor(s). Employees will not report on Thursday, leave is not required due to the closure.
College of The Albemarle students and employees travel across a vast area of Northeast North Carolina and Virginia for classes, clinical training and other college-related opportunities.
Based upon the anticipated weather forecast across our service area (Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank and Perquimans), and with the safety of all students and employees at the forefront, COA made the decision to close on Thursday.
A decision regarding operations for Friday will be announced as soon as possible on Thursday.
Hyde County Government Offices will be closed on Thursday, August 31, due to the anticipated impacts from Hurricane Idalia. They anticipate opening for regular hours on Friday.
The schedule for solid waste pickup for the Town of Manteo has changed due to the inclement weather. Solid waste pickup will be done this Friday, September 1st. Please remember to secure items on your property, including trash cans, during this weather event. Thank you, and stay safe.
Stay with the WOBX Weather Center for the latest updates.
National Weather Service seven-day forecasts for:
LIVE data from flood gauges at key locations throughout North Carolina, including automated email and text alerts, visit https://fiman.nc.gov/
Sign up for emergency alerts from Dare County and its municipalities. Beach safety and rip current information can be found at LoveTheBeachRespectTheOcean.com.
Currituck County provides beach safety and emergency updates for Corolla and the mainland via Currituck Alert.
The NCDOT Ferry Division provides real-time text or email alerts from their routes via the Ferry Information Notification System (FINS) at www.ncdot.gov/fins. System-wide route status updates will also be posted on the Ferry Division’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
For the latest images from NCDOT traffic cameras on the Outer Banks and northeastern North Carolina, visit: https://wobx.com/2022/06/01/outer-banks-northeastern-north-carolina-traffic-cameras/.
LIVE video from Kitty Hawk, courtesy Twiddy & Co.:
LIVE video from Rodanthe, courtesy RodanthePierLLC.com:
Click to watch LIVE video from Corolla, courtesy Currituck County/WebCOOS
