A coastal flood advisory is currently in place for parts of the East Coast, including Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island in North Carolina, and St. Johns County in Florida. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of what’s happening and how to stay safe.

What’s Going On?

A stubborn weather system off the coast is pushing strong, persistent northeast winds our way. Combined with the higher-than-normal tides from the nearly full moon, this is causing water to pile up and spill into typically dry areas. This means:

• Minor flooding on roads and in low-lying neighborhoods.
• Dangerous rip currents at the beach—even strong swimmers are at risk.

Areas Most Affected & What to Expect

The advisory is in effect at different times for different areas. The biggest risk will be during the nightly high tides.

How to Stay Safe

If you’re in one of these areas, please keep these tips in mind:

• Never drive through floodwater. It’s impossible to know how deep it is or if the road has washed out underneath. “Turn around, don’t drown.”
• Stay out of the ocean. The rip currents are extremely dangerous right now. Keep a safe distance from the water’s edge.
• If you’re in a flood-prone spot, move your car and any valuable items from your yard or garage to higher ground.
• Keep an eye on updates. Conditions can change, so stay tuned to local news or the National Weather Service for the latest info.

What’s Next?

The flooding is expected to be worst through Wednesday morning during high tide. While things should start to calm down later in the week, rough surf and strong currents will likely stick around for a few more days.

Bottom Line: Please take this advisory seriously. A little caution goes a long way in keeping you, your family, and your property safe. Check in with your local emergency officials for any specific guidance for your community.