OUTER BANKS, N.C. — A Flood Watch covers portions of coastal eastern North Carolina this weekend as National Weather Service forecasters warn that heavy rain, coastal flooding and rough marine conditions tied to the larger Hurricane Isaias pattern could hit Hatteras and Ocracoke islands and other Outer Banks communities.
In a 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 briefing, the NWS Newport/Morehead City office raised rainfall expectations to 4 to 6 inches across much of Hatteras and Ocracoke, up from earlier 3-to-4-inch guidance. The heaviest rain is expected from Saturday evening through midday Sunday, with bands that could stall and dump locally higher totals in low-lying or poorly drained spots.
Forecasters also flagged Gale Watches and Gale Warnings for parts of the coastal waters and a High Surf Advisory for Hatteras and Ocracoke from midnight Saturday through 8 p.m. Sunday. Coastal flooding concerns focus on oceanfront stretches from Rodanthe to Ocracoke, with the highest oceanside water levels around Sunday morning high tide near 8:20 a.m.
Beach erosion, large breaking waves and localized ocean overwash are possible south of Rodanthe. Offshore seas could reach 7 to 10 feet, with Diamond Shoals near 10 feet. Wind gusts of about 35 mph in Rodanthe, 36 mph in Buxton and 38 mph on Ocracoke are in the forecast, with stronger gusts over open water.
NWS is also watching two windows for strong to severe thunderstorms capable of damaging gusts or isolated tornadoes: Saturday night along a warm front, especially south of U.S. 70 and along parts of the Outer Banks, and again Sunday afternoon into early evening with a cold front. Beachgoers were told to stay out of the ocean under red-flag conditions because of dangerous rip currents and high surf.
Dare County emergency managers under Chairman Bob Woodard and County Manager Bobby Outten typically urge residents and visitors to monitor NWS Newport/Morehead City updates and avoid flooded roads as Hatteras and Ocracoke communities prepare for the wettest stretch of the weekend.
