December 17, 2023, 2:30 p.m.

Briefing from the National Weather Service

View the latest weather briefing from the National Weather Service.

(Disclaimer: The information contained in the NWS briefings are time-sensitive. Note expiration time on briefing.)

Residents & Visitors Should Prepare for Impacts from Coastal Storm

Impacts for Dare County:

Conditions are forecast to continue deteriorating today (Sunday, December 17, 2023) and will continue to decline into this evening as the coastal low tracks across Dare County.

Soundside locations throughout Dare County could experience 2-4 feet of above-ground inundation with the potential for rapid water level rises to occur as winds shift from the southeast to the southwest and west beginning overnight on Sunday, December 17, 2023 and continuing into the morning hours of Monday, December 18, 2023. To sign up to receive alerts if water levels in your area begin to rise due to storm surge, visit www.FIMAN.NC.gov and select the flood gauge(s) located in the waterway you’d like to monitor in real time.

Winds are expected to increase steadily throughout the day today (Sunday, December 17, 2023) as rainfall increases. Hatteras Island could see southeast winds of 30-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The northern beaches in Dare County could see winds of 25-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Windy conditions could cause scattered power outages and potentially damage outdoor items, so be sure to secure property before conditions deteriorate.

Rainfall of 1.5-3 inches is expected and may lead to localized minor flooding in areas with poor drainage.

As winds pick up, the potential for ocean overwash to occur in vulnerable areas increases. Travel along portions of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island could be impacted by flood waters, as well as road debris and blowing sand and sea spray that could reduce visibility and make travel unsafe, especially after dark. Residents and visitors are advised to minimize travel and to exercise caution if travel is necessary.

Large, dangerous surf is expected at all Dare County beaches, and dangerous ocean conditions are expected to be present throughout the weekend and into Monday, December 18, 2023, so it is advised that everyone stay off the water until conditions improve.

Ocean conditions will also increase the risk of damage to property at locations where the dune system is vulnerable or compromised. Those who are located in areas where structures are frequently surrounded by ocean water during storms should relocate and move all of their vehicles away from flood-prone locations.

have multiple ways to get a weather warning

Peak winds and the potential for severe storms—some of which could potentially produce tornadoes—will occur after sunset on Sunday, December 17, 2023, so be sure to have multiple ways to receive warnings from the National Weather Service.

To receive National Weather Service alerts, create an OBX Alerts user profile at www.OBXAlerts.com and select the National Weather Service watch and warning lists or download the FEMA mobile app and select "Dare, NC" as your primary location.

Actions to protect property should be completed as early as possible but well before sunset on Sunday, December 17, 2023. Protective actions to consider include:

moving vehicles away from flood-prone areas
minimizing activities near the shoreline, such as hunting and fishing, especially as the wind shift occurs
stowing outdoor property (including holiday decorations)
moving personal possessions off the ground in areas that routinely flood

Rapidly rising soundside water levels that flood roadways before sunrise on Monday, December 18, 2023 could make travel particularly dangerous. Remember to turn around if you encounter floodwaters and never attempt to drive through them.

When the storm has passed, please continue to slow down and exercise caution as North Carolina Department of Transportation road crews work diligently to remove any sand and water from the roadways. For updates regarding road conditions, please visit DriveNC.gov and follow North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCDOT NC 12 on Facebook.