Coastal Flood — Hatteras Island, North Carolina

2025-10-11 to 2025-10-13 · Hatteras Island, North Carolina

Event narrative

A strong coastal storm produced high winds and large waves on the Outer Banks through the weekend and into Monday, October 13th. The compromised dune structures from previous storms allowed for ocean overwash to easily overtake Highway 12 in multiple areas on Highway 12, prompting the closure of the roadway during the hours surrounding the high tide cycles. The storm coincided with King Tides, exacerbating the coastal flooding.

Wider weather episode

The combination of a strong coastal storm and king tides produced moderate to major coastal flooding across parts of coastal Eastern NC. Sound side areas of the southern Pamlico Sound and Neuse River experienced coastal flooding due to a prolonged duration of strong northeast to east winds. Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands experienced major coastal flooding due to large long periods swells and king tides. Some flooding, albeit not as severe, was observed on the northern Outer Banks as well.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1296604. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.