Flood Advisory Issued for Dare County as Heavy Rainfall Causes Localized Flooding
DARE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Newport/Morehead City has issued a flood advisory for Dare County after heavy rainfall triggered localized flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas overnight. The advisory took effect just before 1 a.m. Monday and remains in place until 4 a.m., officials confirmed.
Meteorologists say the warning was prompted by excessive rainfall that caused standing water on roadways, parking lots, and areas with limited drainage capacity. Residents are urged to remain alert and avoid flooded roads and underpasses, especially during the overnight hours when visibility is reduced.
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the NWS statement cautioned. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.”
Areas at Risk and Safety Precautions
The advisory covers both residential and coastal zones within Dare County, including Manteo, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Hatteras Island. Local officials say flooding has been reported in several low-lying neighborhoods and poorly drained intersections, though no injuries have been confirmed.
Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to:
- Seek higher ground immediately if water levels begin to rise.
- Avoid walking or driving through standing water.
- Refrain from entering basements or rooms with submerged electrical outlets.
- Unplug electrical appliances and switch off power if flooding occurs indoors.
The NWS emphasizes that even six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, while a foot of water can sweep most vehicles away.
Driving Safety During Flood Conditions
Authorities are also reminding drivers to exercise caution as roads remain slick and visibility is limited. The NWS offers these safety recommendations for motorists traveling during or after heavy rain:
- Turn on headlights to increase visibility.
- Avoid puddles and water pooling on roads to prevent hydroplaning.
- Maintain distance from large vehicles that can spray water and reduce visibility.
- Stay in the middle lanes of highways, where water tends to drain more effectively.
- Never attempt to drive through flooded roads, as it’s impossible to gauge water depth or current strength.
Hydroplaning—a dangerous loss of traction caused by water buildup under tires—is a leading cause of crashes during wet weather. To avoid it, drivers should reduce speed, ensure proper tire tread, and gently steer into a skid if it occurs rather than braking suddenly.
Monitoring and Emergency Contact Information
County officials and emergency management teams are continuing to monitor the situation overnight. Residents experiencing severe flooding are encouraged to call 911 or the Dare County Emergency Communications Center for assistance.
The NWS says rain is expected to taper off by daybreak, but additional showers may occur later in the day as the system moves offshore.
For real-time weather alerts and safety updates, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
