MANTEO, N.C., August 19, 2024 — Cape Hatteras National Seashore is warning its visitors that ocean conditions are forecast to be dangerous along all beaches through this weekend, due to distant Hurricane Ernesto.
Because of the potential for ocean overwash, travelers should use caution around the hours of high tide along vulnerable areas of N.C. Highway 12, particularly at the north end of Ocracoke Island and between Hatteras and Frisco, from today, Friday, August 16, through at least Sunday, August 18. Travelers can monitor road conditions at https://drivenc.gov.
Additionally, visitors are urged to use caution while walking on the beach or participating in water activities at the north end of Rodanthe, due to the presence of threatened oceanfront structures. Visitors are urged to avoid swimming in the ocean until conditions improve.
Even though Hurricane Ernesto is forecast to pass well to the east of the area this weekend, strong swells from the storm will combine with higher-than-normal tides.
Large breaking waves, life-threatening rip currents, beach erosion, and ocean overwash are all possible, according to the National Weather Service’s Newport/Morehead City Weather Reporting Office.
Visit the National Hurricane Center webpage for updates on Hurricane Ernesto.
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Thank you, RV Travel! 🙂 Well, sounds like Highway 12 is going to flood in a few places. Hopefully the Oregon Inlet bridge makes it safely through. 🙂 Thanksgiving on Hatteras Island is so cool, figuratively and literally. A few things are still open, but the weather is wonderfully windy and sometimes rainy. Walking a deserted beach with the waves crashing is so pleasant. If there is a driving rain, all the better. 🙂 Sitting in the screened porch after changing into dry clothes and sipping something warm while watching it pour … heavenly. 🙂 Thanks again, have a great weekend, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂