Morehead City, N.C. – Life-threatening storm surge and tropical storm-force winds are expected to hammer North Carolina’s Outer Banks through early Thursday, prompting evacuation warnings and flood alerts from Beaufort to Hatteras Village.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet above ground is likely in low-lying and surge-prone areas. The risk begins this afternoon, with peak winds between 35–45 mph and gusts up to 55 mph expected by early Thursday across Ocracoke Island, Kitty Hawk, and Harkers Island. A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning remain in effect for the entire Outer Banks region.
Flooding may cut off near-shore escape routes, while major beach erosion, impassable roads, and scattered power outages are likely along NC Highway 12 and other barrier island routes. Emergency managers urge residents to finalize storm preparations and heed any local evacuation orders immediately. Rip currents and breaking surf could also endanger beachgoers and boaters well into Thursday.
Though rainfall totals are expected to remain under one inch, poor drainage and surge backflow may still lead to brief road closures in Manteo, Buxton, and Rodanthe.
Warnings remain active through Thursday morning, with additional advisories possible if storm track shifts.
