News Flash

Our area is under a Tropical Storm Warning and a Storm Surge Watch due to expected impacts from a low pressure area expected to develop off the southeast coast. 

This developing system, currently identified as POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE SIXTEEN by the National Hurricane Center, and which could become Tropical Storm Ophelia, will likely bring tropical storm-force winds, storm surge, heavy rain and high surf beginning  Friday, September 22, 2023 and continuing into the weekend.  

We advise beachgoers to exercise extreme caution when visiting the beach and to stay out of the ocean, as current conditions have made ocean swimming unsafe for even the most experienced swimmers.  Do not put your life—or the lives of local ocean rescue personnel—at risk!

A Tropical Storm Warning indicates that tropical storm conditions—including sustained winds of 39 mph to 73 mph—are expected within 36 hours or less. A Storm Surge Watch indicates the possibility of life-threatening inundation of water within 48 hours.

Expected Impacts

• Life-threatening rip currents and large surf with waves heights of 7-10 feet in the surf zone.
• Between 2-4 feet of above-ground storm surge inundation is possible along the oceanfront and soundside. Specific locations and impacts will be driven by wind strength and direction. With the current forecast, the potential for rising water levels should be anticipated at all locations within Dare County that are susceptible to wind-driven flood impacts. *Details on timing can be found on the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City, N.C. website by entering your location in the upper left corner and then reviewing the wind direction and intensity on the “Hourly Weather Forecast” found at the bottom right under “Additional Resources.” 
• Increasing winds that should peak at 45-55 mph with gusts of up to 70 mph are expected to begin on Friday, September 22, 2023 and continue through the afternoon of Saturday, September 23, 2023. Actions should be taken now to secure loose property to keep it from becoming a projectile hazard.
• 3-6 inches of flooding rain with locally higher amounts is forecast, as well as rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and standing water on roadways that may impact travel.
• Potential tornado activity is also possible. Be sure to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially at night.

Actions should be taken now to protect vehicles and property that is parked or stored in areas that are susceptible to wind-driven flooding. 

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