Headline:
Coastal Flood Warning issued October 19 at 2:47PM EDT until October 21 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Event:
Coastal Flood Warning
Urgency:
Expected
Effective:
October 19, 2026 - 11:47am
Expires:
October 20, 2026 - 12:00am
Description:
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, 2 to 4 feet of
inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near
shorelines and tidal waterways. For the High Surf Advisory,
large breaking waves of 10 to 14 feet in the surf zone. For
the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents, large
breaking waves expected, and strong longshore currents in the
surf zone.
* WHERE...Hatteras Island.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, until 8 PM EDT
Wednesday. For the High Surf Advisory, until 6 AM EDT
Thursday. For the Beach Hazards Statement, until 8 PM EDT this
evening.
* IMPACTS...Up to 2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level
is expected in some areas near shorelines and tidal waterways
resulting in an elevated threat of property damage. Flooding
will extend inland from the waterfront threatening some homes
and businesses. Numerous road closures and flooding of
vehicles will be possible. Vulnerable portions of NC-12 may be
inundated, especially around high tide. There is a possibility
of being stranded on Hatteras Island for multiple days. This
could be life threatening if you have an emergency. Dangerous
swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.
Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore
into deeper water. Dangerous shore break can throw a swimmer
or surfer head first into the bottom causing neck and back
injuries. Strong longshore currents will create dangerous
swimming conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This is a long duration event with
uncertainty on when conditions will improve. Significant ocean
overwash impacts are expected at vulnerable oceanside areas
through multiple high tide cycles into mid week. Minor
soundside water level rises will also be possible.
Instruction:
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If
travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through
water of unknown depth.
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.
Life-threatening rip currents. If caught in a rip current, remain
calm. Swim in a direction following the shoreline. If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current. If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
Shore break occurs when waves break directly on the beach. It is
extremely important to protect your head and neck whenever you
are in breaking waves by keeping your hands in front of you at
all times.
Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip
currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas. In many
cases, the longshore current is strong enough to prevent swimmers
from being able to keep their feet on the bottom making it
difficult to return to shore.
Area Description:
Hatteras Island
Forcast Office:
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov