Weather Alert in North Carolina
Coastal Flood Watch issued August 18 at 4:30AM EDT until August 23 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
AREAS AFFECTED: East Carteret; Northern Outer Banks; Ocracoke Island; Hatteras Island
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 15 to 20+ feet expected in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Watch, significant oceanside inundation above ground level likely in low- lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...East Carteret County, and Northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through this evening. For the High Surf Advisory, from noon Tuesday to midnight EDT Friday night. For the Coastal Flood Watch, from Tuesday afternoon through Friday evening. * IMPACTS...Extreme beach and coastal damage is likely along the oceanside, resulting in a significant threat to life and property. Large dangerous waves will likely inundate and destroy protective dune structures. Severe flooding will likely extend inland from the waterfront causing flooding of many homes and businesses with some structural damage possible. Numerous roads will likely be impassable under several feet of water and vehicles will likely be submerged. Actions will need to be taken to protect life and property. Very dangerous swimming and surfing conditions expected, as well as the wave action resulting in significant beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This is expected to be a prolonged duration event, with the potential for portions of NC-12 and secondary roads along the Outer Banks, in particular on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, to be impassable and/or inaccessible for several days due to significant wave run up and overwash. Minor soundside flooding will also be possible if stronger winds develop over the Pamlico Sound.
INSTRUCTION: If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Life-threatening rip currents. If caught in a rip current, remain calm. Swim in a direction following the shoreline. If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
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Weather Topic: What are Altocumulus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Altocumulus Clouds
Next Topic: Altostratus Clouds
Similar to cirrocumulus clouds, altocumulus clouds are
characterized by cloud patches. They are distinguished by larger cloudlets
than cirrocumulus clouds but are still smaller than stratocumulus clouds.
Altocumulus clouds most commonly form in middle altitudes (between 2 and 5 km)
and may resemble, at times, the shape of a flying saucer.
These uncommon formations, called altocumulus lenticularis, are created by uplift
in the atmosphere and are most often seen in close proximity to mountains.
Next Topic: Altostratus Clouds
Weather Topic: What are Cirrocumulus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Cirrocumulus Clouds
Next Topic: Cirrostratus Clouds
Cirrocumulus clouds form at high altitudes (usually around 5 km)
and have distinguishing characteristics displayed in a fine layer of
small cloud patches. These small cloud patches are sometimes referred to as
"cloudlets" in relation to the whole cloud formation.
Cirrocumulus clouds are formed from ice crystals and water droplets. Often, the
water droplets in the cloud freeze into ice crystals and the cloud becomes a
cirrostratus cloud. Because of this common occurrence, cirrocumulus cloud
formations generally pass rapidly.
Next Topic: Cirrostratus Clouds
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