Morehead City, N.C. – Dangerous surf and flooding are intensifying along the North Carolina coast as Hurricane Erin pushes powerful waves and storm surge into the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast. Some areas are already seeing water on roadways, with conditions expected to worsen through tonight into Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, waves of 15 to 20 feet are crashing into the surf zone, with offshore swells topping 25 to 30 feet near Cape Hatteras. Storm surge of 2 to 4 feet above normally dry ground is expected oceanside, with locally higher levels possible near North Topsail Beach.
Highway 12, the main artery through the Outer Banks, is already facing flooding and overwash, and officials warn the route could be impassable through late week. Secondary roads in Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are also at risk of being cut off. In Carteret County, overwash is expected to push water into low-lying neighborhoods and cause dune erosion.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, heed all barricades, and move vehicles to higher ground. Dangerous rip currents will continue along all North Carolina beaches.
Coastal flood warnings remain in effect through at least Friday, with additional advisories possible as Erin’s impacts linger into the weekend.
