A rapidly strengthening area of low pressure off the Carolina coast will significantly impact the Outer Banks on Friday with damaging winds, moderate to major coastal flooding and heavy rainfall.
As the storm began to develop, impacts began to unfold along South Carolina’s shores Thursday morning, amid a coastal flood warning for Charleston and Colleton counties.
The National Weather Service office in Charleston said tide levels at the Charleston Harbor tide gauge peaked in the major flood stage at 8 feet, with a moderate flood stage at 10.25 feet reported at the Ft. Pulaski tide gauge.
Charleston City Police had closed several downtown roads due to ongoing major saltwater flooding.
Coastal flooding was seen in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, on Thursday as high tides hit low-lying areas.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina is warning of dangerous conditions due to the low-pressure system.
Strong winds, high surf and coastal flooding are expected through Saturday.
Beaches between Rodanthe and Buxton are closed due to debris hazards.
All campsites are open, but flooding is possible in low-lying areas.
Storm Watch issued for much of the North Carolina coast
Due to the threat of northerly winds up to 60 miles per hour and dangerous seas, the National Weather Service has issued a Storm Watch for much of the North Carolina coast, which will be in effect from Thursday evening through at least Friday.
Projected precipitation amounts for cities like Raleigh and Greensboro are expected to be relatively modest, about an inch or two, but coastal communities could see significantly more, which, combined with higher seas, could lead to flooding.
“Mariners should prepare to remain in port, change course and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions before conditions worsen,” NWS meteorologists warned boaters in the Carolinas.
Based on projections, coastal flood levels of 2 to 4 feet could impact the Outer Banks, which could lead to flooding of Highway 12 and additional erosion issues.
So far this year, four uninhabited homes have collapsed in the Atlantic Ocean, and several more are about to do the same.
During severe weather conditions, parts of the beaches around Rodanthe and Buxton are often closed due to hazardous waste.
Rough surf can loosen pipes and wires and expose concrete, creating hazards for beachgoers and mariners.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation continuously monitors the roads along the Outer Banks and occasionally closes the main highway as conditions warrant.
Only slow improvements are expected through the weekend as the storm system moves generally eastward across the Atlantic Ocean.
Astronomical king tides are expected to keep water levels high for an extended period of time due to the full moon cycle.
King tides occur when the moon’s gravity causes extreme water levels and only occur during the full moon or new moon cycles.
An area of high pressure is expected to develop over the region over the next week, which will contribute to calmer and clearer conditions.
