Coastal Conditions Challenge Residents and Travelers in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. — It’s quite a turbulent time along the North Carolina coast, as high winds and massive waves are making things pretty difficult for locals and visitors alike. Since Saturday morning, Mother Nature has been unleashing her wild side, and it’s leading to significant travel disruptions and some beach closures in the area. With winds whipping and surf conditions hitting up to 12 feet, things are not looking too great for those planning trips to the Outer Banks.
N.C. 12 Closed: A Key Route Impacted
The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced that a portion of N.C. 12, an essential road running through the Outer Banks, was closed due to the adverse weather conditions. As of Sunday, further analysis revealed that the roads on Ocracoke Island will remain closed until at least Monday afternoon. That’s a bummer for those hoping to travel, and it seems ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands is also on hold, leaving folks stranded until things calm down.
Weather Alerts in Effect
Just how bad is the weather? Well, forecasters from the National Weather Service have put out a flood warning, cautioning residents and travelers alike that flooding could reach up to four feet in some areas. This warning is in effect until early Tuesday morning for Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island, and the northern stretch of the Outer Banks.
But that’s not all. A high surf advisory is active as well, expected to last until Wednesday morning. The advisory warns of large breaking waves ranging from 8 to 12 feet crashing onto the shores, particularly impacting Hatteras Island and the northern Outer Banks areas. Additionally, there’s a gale warning for high winds still in effect, making beach walks or outdoor activities somewhat risky.
Beach Closures Due to Oil Concerns
The expanded closure affects approximately three-tenths of a mile of beach, starting from the southernmost beachfront home in Buxton and reaching the southern jetty. It’s an unfortunate circumstance since visitors often seek out this gorgeous stretch of beach when vacationing in the area.
A Glimpse Into History
For those curious about the history behind the former Navy site, it’s quite fascinating. The Navy had established this site to run operations that aided in underwater submarine detection and was instrumental in detecting a Soviet diesel submarine back in 1962. The facility saw its last operations by the Coast Guard, but the remnants now serve as a reminder of the area’s past military activities.
What to Expect Moving Forward
If you’re planning on heading to the Outer Banks or are already there, it’s essential to stay updated on local conditions and adhere to safety advisories from officials. With the weather not showing any signs of letting up just yet, it’s a good idea to keep those beach plans fluid and maintain a sense of caution.
Stay safe, everyone, and keep an eye out for those beautiful beach days around the corner!
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
