Outer Banks Times

A coastal flood warning was in effect until 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 for the Newport/Morehead area, the National Weather Service reported.

The high surf advisory will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, with the beach hazards statement ending at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

The marine forecast from the National Weather Service showed the potential for 14- to 17-foot seas on Sunday, the Outer Banks Voice reported. 

The coastal flood warning signifies two to four feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near tidal waterways and shorelines at Hatteras Island and the Northern Outer Banks, resulting in a significant threat to life and property.

“In some areas, battering waves will cause additional damage to property. Numerous oceanfront roads will be impassable under several feet of water at times, the NWS coastal flood warning issued at 11 a.m. Sunday reported.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported that NC12 was closed in both directions between Rodanthe and Oregon Inlet due to ocean overwash with a possible reopening at 7 p.m. Sunday.  The closures also included the highway between the Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe, with ocean overwash spilling onto the highway. Crews were on scene.

Expect large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet in the surf zone. Dangerous rip current, strong longshore currents in the surf zone and large breaking waves are the beach hazards the National Weather Service warns are occurring, which create dangerous swimming and surfing conditions.

“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Dangerous shore break can throw a swimmer or surfer head-first into the bottom causing neck and back injuries,” the NWS said.