Thousands of Americans were advised to remain out of the water after the National Weather Service (NWS) issued beach hazards statements and coastal flood advisories for parts of North Carolina.
Why It Matters
The NWS said that low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways could experience up to one to two feet of inundation above ground level, posing a minor risk of property damage.
Shallow flooding may affect some roads and low-lying properties, including parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes located along the waterfront, it said.
What To Know
As of early Wednesday, beach hazards statements had been issued for Hatteras Island and the northern Outer Banks, off the coast of North Carolina.
In addition to the flood risk, the NWS warned of dangerous swimming and surfing conditions, as well as localized beach erosion and “life-threatening” rip currents, which it noted can pull even strong swimmers away from shore and into deeper water.
“Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions,” the agency advised.
If travel in these areas is required, the NWS said that extra time should be allowed, as some roads could be closed. “Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth,” it cautioned. “Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.”
Coastal flood advisories had also been issued for additional regions, including:
- Areas along the lower Neuse River, Pamlico, Core and Back Sounds, and adjacent tidal creeks (until 8 p.m. EDT Friday)
- Coastal Pender, Coastal New Hanover and Coastal Brunswick Counties (until 5 p.m. EDT Wednesday)
- The lower Cape Fear River including downtown Wilmington (until 7 p.m. EDT Wednesday)
Newsweek Photo-Illustration/Getty/Canva
What People Are Saying
Rohan Jain, a meteorologist with NHC Newport/Morehead City told Newsweek: “Eastern NC should expect the coastal flooding threat to decline as we get into the weekend as tides will gradually become less elevated and winds decrease. We are monitoring a cold front projected the move through the region late Sunday into Monday for any additional hazards, but at this point in time there is low potential for impacts.”
The National Weather Service forecast office, Newport/Morehead City, North Carolina said in a post on X, Wednesday: “Cool & grey -> sunny & warm as skies clear from west to east.
“Dry, backdoor cold front sinks through the area tonight leading to the coolest night of the week so far.
“Coastal Flood Advisories are still in effect for oceanside concerns N of CapeHatt, soundside S of Cape Hatt.”
The NWS said in a beach hazards statement for Hatteras Island: “The combination of gusty onshore winds, high astronomical tides, wave run up, and already battered and weakened dune and other oceanside structures will bring the potential of additional impacts to Hatteras Island, mostly north of Cape Hatteras, around the time of high tide through Thursday. Additionally, minor soundside flooding is expected to continue into Friday.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the latest of the beach hazards statements was in force until Wednesday evening.
Forecast updates are regularly issued by the NWS on its website and social media channels.
