Seaside Vacations

 
(Shot Thursday Afternoon)

The November nor’easter is sticking around on the Outer Banks.  The storm (really two systems; a high and a low pressure systems, the low being the real “nor’easter” and the remnants of Ida.) set in late Wednesday and is very reluctant to release its grip on the OBX. 

The wind and rough surf have been relentless.  Due to the large waves and higher tides than normal, the beach no longer serves as a boundary for the ocean; water and debris have flowed onto the streets in many areas.  The damage is still being assessed and cleanup crews are diligently working to clear sand and debris from roadways, but flooded areas are slowing the process.  Traffic is restricted to flooded areas.  However, based on debris and some first responders able to brave the conditions, there are some severe damages in need of attention.     

As of Friday morning the tide swept back into the area, and the next high tide is scheduled for about 4 pm. The high tide yesterday evening were less than a foot below hurricane Isabel in 2003.  A Coastal Flood Warning and a High Surf Advisory are still in effect for the area.  There is also a high threat of rip currents through Friday evening.  A strong low pressure near Cape Hatteras will slowly drift east while still impacting the region through Saturday.

A State of Emergency has been issued for all of Hatteras Island, and NC Highway 12 is closed at the Oregon Inlet Bridge with no passage available through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to the Rodanthe area.  At this time, it is not known when Highway 12 to Hatteras Island will reopen.  North Carolina DOT is on-scene working to clear sand and water from the roadway.

There are no reports of power outages, but Dare County Schools are closed.

(Shot Friday Morning)