Hurricane-force wind gusts possible on Outer Banks

Kari Pugh, The Virginian-Pilot
·2 min read

The Outer Banks is battening down ahead of a powerful storm system expected to bring hurricane-force wind gusts and heavy rain to the area late Tuesday afternoon through the evening.

Schools in Dare County closed for the day Tuesday and will operate on a two-hour delay Wednesday. In Currituck County, schools dismissed early Tuesday with school officials saying they are monitoring the storm and will back a decision about Wednesday “as soon as possible.”

All attractions and facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Fort Raleigh Historic Site closed at noon Tuesday and will reopen Wednesday after the storm passes and damage is assessed, the National Park Service said.

Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head was to close at 2 p.m. Tuesday and the last entries for the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island will be at 1 p.m. with the aquarium closing to the public at 2 p.m. The aquarium expects to reopen by 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Community centers, senior centers and libraries are also closing early this afternoon, with most scheduled activities canceled.

The Outer Banks is under high wind and coastal flood warnings starting late this afternoon through early Wednesday.

The National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City forecast office says south winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are expected for most of the Outer Banks, though Hatteras Island could see gusts in hurricane-force range.

On the soundside, 2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level will be possible Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon, Dare County Emergency Management said in a release.

“In addition to bringing greater potential for wind driven property damage, the winds will also make driving conditions hazardous, especially on bridges where winds speeds could be higher,” the release said.

Potential ocean overwash flooding on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands is also a concern.

The N.C. Department of Transportation is on standby along N.C. 12 on Pea Island, Hatteras and Ocracoke, with officials urging motorists to avoid travel as the weather gets worse.

“We have equipment in place, and crews will be out monitoring road conditions around tonight’s (5:30 p.m.) and tomorrow’s (6 a.m.) high tides,” the agency said on social media. “But travel (Tuesday night) on NC12 and on our elevated bridges may be very hazardous and should be AVOIDED if at all possible.”