Traffic
Outer Banks Flooding: Highway 12 at Risk Wednesday
Morehead City, North Carolina – Coastal flooding, ocean overwash and winds approaching 50 mph could affect eastern North Carolina from Wednesday through Friday.
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-09-22T15:13:52.815Z
Morehead City, North Carolina – Coastal flooding, ocean overwash and winds approaching 50 mph could affect eastern North Carolina from Wednesday through Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, a coastal low will affect eastern North Carolina this week. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect for oceanside areas from Duck to Ocracoke, with residents and mariners urged to prepare before conditions deteriorate.
Moderate oceanside coastal flooding and ocean overwash are possible along portions of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Ocean water could inundate sections of N.C. Highway 12, potentially affecting travel along the Outer Banks.
Minor oceanside flooding is expected farther north, while minor coastal flooding is also possible around other parts of eastern North Carolina. Areas adjacent to the southern Pamlico Sound and along the Neuse and Pamlico rivers could experience minor soundside flooding.
North to northeast winds will strengthen as the coastal low affects the region. The Weather Service expects winds to peak Thursday through Thursday night. Its briefing shows maximum gusts near 47 mph at Hatteras and Ocracoke and about 49 mph around Rodanthe. Gusts around 38 mph are shown near Columbia and Engelhard, with lower speeds farther inland.
Those winds could cause isolated power outages and some tree damage. Residents should secure loose outdoor items and keep phones and other essential devices charged.
Mariners and Outer Banks residents should monitor conditions closely and consider travel needs before the strongest winds and coastal flooding develop. Minor ocean overwash could persist into the weekend around Hatteras and Ocracoke, particularly near high tide.