Access to and from Ocracoke Island has reopened after being shut down this morning due to ocean overwash on N.C. 12. Ferry service remains suspended for the rest of Monday across the Pamlico Sound due to high winds.
Overwash at high tide caused by the strong southerly winds this morning closed N.C. 12 on the north end of Ocracoke Island. The N.C. Department of Transportation reported the closure between the south ferry dock and the pony pens could closed down again with this evening’s high tide.
Crews had made progress clearing the sand and water around midday, but waves are expected to impact the roadway again around 8 p.m.
A wind advisory is in effect for for all of northeastern North Carolina, a coastal flood advisory soundside from Buxton to the state line, high surf advisory south of Oregon Inlet as a low pressure system and frontal boundaries cross North Carolina today.
The strong winds are forecast to cause minor soundside water level rises of 1 to 2 feet, causing some nuisance flooding of normal trouble spots on the Outer Banks and inland areas.
Heavy rain is forecast for eastern North Carolina at times through this evening, with totals from the storm reaching as high as three inches in some isolated spots.
This is a developing story, stay with OBX Today for updates.
