‘Significant threat to life’: Hurricane Erin spurs NC coastal flood watch, surf advisory; 20+ ft wave risk at Outer Banks

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Forecasters on Sunday issued a coastal flood watch and surf advisory starting Tuesday at the North Carolina coast as Hurricane Erin is expected to bring “significant” inundation and breaking waves over 20 feet high.

The National Weather Service said coastal and beach flooding from Hurricane Erin is a “significant threat to life and property.” Flooding of “many” homes and businesses is likely and numerous roads will be impassible, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service in Morehead City said the coastal flood watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday night in Carteret, Onslow counties, the northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island.

The high surf advisory is active from noon Tuesday to 8 a.m. Friday for the same areas at the North Carolina coast.

“For the high surf advisory, large breaking waves of 15 to 20+ feet are expected in the surf zone,” the National Weather Service said about areas of the Outer Banks. Onslow County and western Carteret County could have breaking waves up to 15 feet.

The coastal flood watch is for significant oceanside inundation above ground level in areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, the weather service said.

“Extreme beach and coastal damage is likely along the oceanside, resulting in a significant threat to life and property. Large dangerous waves will likely inundate and destroy protective dune structures,” the Morehead City office of the National Weather Service said Sunday about the impacts from Hurricane Erin.

Forecasters also warned Sunday that severe flooding will likely extend inland from the waterfront flooding many homes and businesses, with some structural damage possible.

“Numerous roads will likely be impassable under several feet of water and vehicles will likely be submerged,” the weather service said.

In addition, the flooding and high surf will be a “prolonged duration event,” the weather service said.

N.C. 12 and secondary roads along the Outer Banks, in particular on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, will likely be impassable and/or inaccessible for several days.

At North Carolina beaches and islands south of the Outer Banks, high surf with breaking waves up to 10 feet is also possible. Officials said impacts will be felt in Pender County, New Hanover County and Brunswick County.