Coastal Flood Warning

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, up to 2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Up to 1 foot of inundation is possible for sound-side flooding when winds become more northerly late Thursday and Friday. For the Beach Hazards Statements, dangerous rip currents, large breaking waves expected, and strong longshore currents in the surf zone.

* WHERE...Ocracoke Island.

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, until 11 PM EDT Friday. For the first Beach Hazards Statement, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the second Beach Hazards Statement, from Thursday morning through Thursday evening.

* IMPACTS...Numerous roads may be closed. Portions of Highway 12 will be inundated. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Dangerous shore break can throw a swimmer or surfer head first into the bottom causing neck and back injuries. Strong longshore currents will create dangerous swimming conditions.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The most likely time for strong rip currents to occur is a couple hours either side of low tide, which will occur around 12:25 PM Thursday.