Key facts
- Alert
- Coastal Flood Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Newport/Morehead City NC
- Areas
- Hatteras Island
- In effect
- until 8:00 PM EDT, Oct 22, 2026
What the National Weather Service says
“Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.”
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC, Coastal Flood Warning, 3:11 PM EDT Oct 22, 2026 · official alert
“If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.”
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC, Coastal Flood Warning, 3:11 PM EDT Oct 22, 2026 · official alert
“Swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.”
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC, Coastal Flood Warning, 3:11 PM EDT Oct 22, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Protect flood-prone property now. Move belongings and vehicles away from low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, especially before high tide.
Avoid travel if you can. NC-12 between the Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe remains closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot can sweep a vehicle away.
Stay out of the ocean. The National Weather Service warns of dangerous rip currents, large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet and a dangerous shore break that can cause neck and back injuries.
Context
FEMA records show 18,957 flood-insurance claims in the county that includes Hatteras Island, from 1978 to 2026. That count covers only insured properties, so it understates total flood losses.
FEMA has issued several disaster declarations for the county, including for Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and Hurricane Florence in 2018. They show a history of coastal storm impacts.
Updates
- The coastal flood warning expired at 8:00 PM EDT.
- The National Weather Service updated the coastal flood warning; it remains in effect until 8:00 PM EDT.
- NWS Newport/Morehead City NC issued the coastal flood warning until 8:00 PM EDT.
History here
This county: 18957 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1978, most recent 2026.
This county: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4837 (2024): potential tropical cyclone eight
- DR-4465 (2019): hurricane dorian
- DR-4412 (2019): tropical storm michael
- DR-4393 (2018): hurricane florence
- DR-4285 (2016): hurricane matthew
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Questions
- Is there a Coastal Flood Warning for Hatteras Island, NC?
- Yes. The National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office has a Coastal Flood Warning for Hatteras Island until 8:00 PM EDT on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
- How much flooding is expected on Hatteras Island?
- The National Weather Service says up to 2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Flooding could extend inland and threaten some homes and businesses.
- Is NC-12 open on Hatteras Island?
- NC-12 between the Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe remains closed. The National Weather Service says vulnerable portions may be inundated, especially around high tide.
Sources
- NWS Newport/Morehead City NC: Coastal Flood Warning, Oct 22, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
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