Coastal Flood Hazards

Coastal Flooding Hazards

RISK LEVEL	HAZARD DESCRIPTION
Low	Minor coastal flooding is expected. Minimal property damage is expected, but there is possibly some public threat or inconvenience.
Moderate	Moderate coastal flooding is expected, and will result in some inundation of structures and roads near the coast. Some evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations may be necessary.
High	Major coastal flooding is expected, and will result in extensive inundation of structures and roads near the coast. Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations will likely be necessary.

The existing NWS WFO Newport/Morehead City Graphical Hazards have been discontinued due to technical issues. A new version of these hazards graphics is under development and will be implemented once it has passed an internal testing period. This will hopefully come in 2016, but we cannot estimate when at this time. We regret the inconvenience and hope you found the previous version of this webpage and graphics useful. We hope you will find the new version of this webpage just as useful when it comes online.

General Information

Coastal flooding is often the result of strong coastal storm systems that bring high winds and seas to coastal areas. Coastal flooding can result from both tropical and non tropical storm systems. The amount of flooding is dependendant on the strength of the winds and the amount of onshore component they have. Strong winds blowing directly onshore for long periods will build the highest water levels and cause the most damage.

Coastal Flood Safety Tips:

Coastal flooding can be a very dangerous situation. Know if your location is prone to coastal flooding and the prevailing wind direction that will result in flooding at your location.
If water levels begin to rise, be prepared tro evacuate the area immediately. Rising flood waters can cover roadways and cut off your evacuation route, and prevent emergency services personell from reaching you.
Do not attempt to drive across flooded roadways. The water may be deeper than it appears, or the road beneath may be washed out. Turn around, don't drown!.

Send e-mail with your comments and suggestions to John Cole.

Updated 4/22/2015