Morehead City, NC – Coastal North Carolina residents face another day of dangerous weather conditions Wednesday as strong northeast winds and large swells bring flooding, beach erosion, and hazardous surf to the region.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office, Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto are accelerating eastward, but a tight pressure gradient between the storms and high pressure over the north is fueling powerful northeast winds. Gusts could reach 40 to 50 mph along the Outer Banks and Down East Carteret County.
Several warnings and advisories are in effect today, including a Coastal Flood Warning for the risk of 1 to 3 feet of inundation in vulnerable areas, particularly along Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Forecasters warn that NC-12 may become impassable in spots due to ocean overwash.
In addition, a High Rip Current Risk and High Surf Advisory remain in effect for all eastern North Carolina beaches, where surf heights could reach 6 to 12 feet. Gale Warnings are also active across much of the coastal waters.
The NWS urges residents and visitors to avoid entering the ocean and to prepare for possible roadway flooding and travel delays, especially in low-lying coastal zones. Conditions are expected to persist through tonight as the storms move east.
