Coastal Flood — Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

2023-12-17 to 2023-12-18 · Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

Event narrative

NC Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island was closed due to severe ocean overwash and safety. The closure was between the pony pen and the ferry dock. Coastal flooding peaked during the late evening and early morning hours.

Wider weather episode

A strong Nor'easter brought widespread heavy rainfall, isolated flash flooding, high winds, severe weather and significant coastal flooding to portions of Eastern North Carolina. A few of the more notable impacts were flash flooding, significant ocean over wash on the Outer Banks, high winds of 60-70 mph, and a low pressure record for December at Cape Hatteras (984 MB).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1151958. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.