The National Weather Service late Monday issued a coastal flood advisory for the Outer Banks as swells from Hurricane Paulette reach the area.
Visitors should expect rough surf and life-threatening rip currents at all Outer Banks beaches, as well as ocean overwash on N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island, dangerous beachfront conditions and inaccessible off-road vehicle routes, particularly at high tide, which is at 6 a.m. Tuesday.
A high surf advisory also remains in effect through 8 p.m. Tuesday. Large breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet are expected in the surf zone north of Cape Hatteras and 5 to 9 feet for Hatteras and Ocracoke, the weather service said. Red “No Swimming” flags are flying at all beaches today, meaning swimming is prohibited.
Travelers along N.C. 12 on Hatteras Island are urged to use caution due to potential coastal flooding. Ocean overwash may occur at the following Cape Hatteras National Seashore locations, the National Park Service says:
- South of the Basnight Bridge to the Pea Island Visitor Center,
- Mirlo Beach area, on the northern edge of the tri-villages,
- South of the Avon Pier along Ocean View Drive,
- At the north end of Buxton,
- Between Frisco and Hatteras Village,
- Along Pole Rd, south of Ramp 55
- Along the north end of Ocracoke island
Stay with OBXToday.com for the latest weather updates.
NCDOT Traffic Cameras (refresh for latest image):
Basnight Bridge navigation span
Oregon Inlet south shore
Pea Island Canal Zone
Jughandle Bridge north approach
Mirlo Beach
Buxton motels
Hatteras ferry dock
Ocracoke at Hatteras Inlet
Ocracoke N.C. 12
