Coastal Flood in Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

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 between the pony pens and northern Ocracoke Island ferry terminal, prompting the closure of the roadway for several days. The storm coincided with King Tides, exacerbating the coastal flooding.

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.