Hazardous surf persists tonight, gradual improvement expected

Coastal flooding, overwash, and hazardous surf conditions will continue to affect the Outer Banks overnight before gradually stepping down in severity, as long-period swells from Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda persist offshore.

Conditions are expected to improve over the next two days, but dangerous rip currents and lingering impacts along vulnerable portions of N.C. Highway 12 will remain a concern into late week.

Minor to moderate coastal flooding has been ongoing across Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, with peak impacts occurring during Wednesday afternoon’s high tide. Coastal Flood Warnings remain in effect through Friday for the Outer Banks from Oregon Inlet to Cape Lookout.

Strong northeast winds have pushed water into oceanside communities, resulting in inundation of 2–3 feet above ground level in the most vulnerable areas, particularly along stretches of Highway 12 in Buxton and northern Ocracoke Island.

Offshore waves of 10-15 feet are expected to continue through Friday, sustaining large surf and rip current hazards even as wind speeds decrease.

N.C. Highway 12 conditions

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported Wednesday afternoon that N.C. Highway 12 remains closed on the north end of Ocracoke Island, from the Pony Pens to the ferry terminal, due to persistent overwash. Ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke remains suspended, and there is currently no timeline for reopening the highway in that area.

Elsewhere, N.C. 12 is open and passable, though drivers should use extreme caution. Overwash was reported north of Buxton and on secondary roads in Rodanthe on Wednesday afternoon, with additional minor overwash and blown sand along other stretches. Crews will continue clearing sand and water through Wednesday and will return early Thursday morning to reassess conditions following the next high tide.

“If you must drive on NC12 today or tonight, slow down, drive with extreme caution and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you see our crews out there, give them room to do their work!” NCDOT stated in its update.

School closures

Due to continued hazardous road conditions, Dare County Schools announced that Thursday, October 2, will be a Remote Learning Day for Cape Hatteras Elementary School, Cape Hatteras Secondary School, and Hatteras students attending Dare Early College.

Students have been instructed to check their email for assignments, and staff who cannot work remotely should contact their supervisors. All schools north of Oregon Inlet will operate on a regular schedule Thursday.

Buxton on Wednesday afternoon. Photo by Don Bowers.

Buxton oceanfront damage and debris removal

Dare County officials assessed severe oceanfront damage in Buxton on Wednesday after six homes collapsed within a 12-hour period due to ongoing surf and erosion. Chairman Bob Woodard, Vice Chairman Steve House, Commissioner Mary Ellon Ballance, and County Manager Bobby Outten visited the site to review conditions and plan next steps.

“To assist with the extensive debris removal required, Dare County will have its debris removal contractor evaluate the site once ocean conditions improve,” the county stated. Homeowners of affected properties are asked to work with their contractors to move debris from collapsed homes to the right of way along Old Lighthouse Road, where county contractors will collect and dispose of the material.

“This is an incredibly difficult situation for these homeowners, for the community of Buxton, and for everyone who loves Hatteras Island,” said Woodard. “It is critically important that we get this debris cleaned up as quickly and safely as possible. Dare County will do everything possible to work alongside the National Park Service to restore these areas.”

The county’s debris removal contractor is scheduled to visit the site Friday, October 3, weather permitting. Additional details will be released once a cleanup schedule is finalized.

Lingering hazards

While the most severe coastal impacts are expected to ease after today, officials caution that dangerous rip currents, elevated surf, and spotty overwash are likely to continue through the end of the week, especially during high tide cycles.

Beachgoers should heed posted warnings and stay out of the ocean. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded stretches of N.C. 12, particularly near Buxton, during high tide events.

For information on the local forecast, visit weather.gov/mhx for general weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.

Buxton on Wednesday morning. Photo by Joy Crist.