After writing about the potential impacts of the nor’easter that’s tracking up the coast, today it seems to have gone from potential to real.
It’s important to emphasize that the most significant impacts are on Hatteras Island, and as far as we can tell at this point in time, there has been no significant ocean overwash or damage north of Oregon Inlet.
Down on Hatteras Island, though, they’re dealing with a bit of a mess. Right now NC12 is impassable at the S Curves just north of Rodanthe. The images we’re seeing from NCDOT shows the dunes flattened and the Atlantic Ocean flowing across the road. With winds forecast to continue to be strong from the northeast tomorrow and the storm still churning up the ocean, it may be difficult to reopen the highway before Tuesday.
There is also standing water on the road reported at Buxton, south of Rodanthe as well as soundside flooding at Hatteras Village.
And, of course, The Hatteras/Ocracoke Ferry is not running. And probably won’t be able to resume service until Tuesday, although, because it’s the only link with the outside world, if it can safely run Monday afternoon, they may resume service then.
Possible solutions to the flooding on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke are currently being looked at by the NC12 Task Force that includes Hyde County (Ocracoke), Dare County, NCDOT and other parties. Although the task force does not have a budget, the hoped for outcome is that the recommendations they make will be appliocable.
The S Curve flooding is being addressed with the Jug Handle Bridge that will bypass the area, taking the road into Pamlico Sound.
Although it’s windy and every once in a while a drizzle shows up, after the system moves out, the week is looking fantastic. Temperatures in the mid 60s and sunshine.
One of the wonders and beauty of the Outer Banks is how close to nature we are. Take a week or two to recall the fascination of waves on a beach and wind rustling sea grass while staying at a Brindley Beach Vacations home.