A strong coastal storm is still expected to impact our area Sunday and Monday, bringing a multitude of hazards. Please take steps to prepare for this storm.
The most prolific hazards will be strong winds and coastal flooding, which could be significant in some areas. The severity of inundation is sensitive to the track of the low, so stay tuned be sure to monitor our local weather forecast from the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City.
Impacts to Nags Head
- Soundside Nags Head could see 2-4 feet of above-ground inundation with the potential for rapid water level rises on the soundside beginning in the morning on Monday, December 18, 2023 as the wind shifts to the southwest and, later, the west.
- Rainfall of 2-4 inches is expected and may lead to localized minor flooding in areas with poor drainage. Severe storms could produce tornadoes, so residents and visitors are reminded to have multiple ways to receive warnings from the National Weather Service, especially overnight on Sunday, December 17, 2023 into Monday, December 18, 2023.
- 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/fishing, especially as the wind shift occurs
- stowing outdoor property (including holiday decorations)
- moving personal possessions off the ground in areas that routinely flood or experience high winds
For more information about all the advisories, watches and warnings that have been issued for Dare County, visit the National Weather Service at Newport/Morehead City, N.C. website.
Be Prepared
- 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.
- For updates regarding road conditions, monitor this news item for Nags Head streets, or for more general information visit DriveNC.gov
- 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.
Trash Collection Information for the Blue Route
- We are expecting adverse weather conditions starting Sunday and continuing into Monday. Because of that we will be collecting trash on our blue sanitation route on Tuesday, instead of on Monday.
- Curbside Recycling Service - Do not place your recycling carts out for collection on Monday if your home is on South Virginia Dare Trail, South Old Oregon Inlet Road, or on any other street that is prone to high winds and flooding from rain or the sound.
Because the forecasted high winds and flooding have the potential to overturn trash cans, those in homes located in vulnerable areas should secure their cans BEFORE inclement conditions begin impacting the area. As of now, Saturday, December 16 at 1:45 pm, high winds are expected in our area starting Sunday about 9 or 10 am.
Beach Driving Information
At sunset Saturday, December 16 we'll be closing the beach to driving due to forecasted high surf and strong winds this weekend. We expect the closure to continue through Monday.
Why close the beach? When we have high surf and beach erosion, drivers may not see dangerous scarps (steep slope or a miniature cliff) or, due to the lack of available beach, they may drive onto the dunes and private property.
View the latest news from Dare County Emergency Management.