Sandstorm conditions erupt on Outer Banks as Memorial Day weekend forecast worsens

Be prepared for dangerous conditions if you plan to visit North Carolina’s Outer Banks this Memorial Day weekend.

Strong winds are creating surreal dust storms on the islands, prompting a gale warning that will last into the three-day holiday weekend.

Sands flying at 50 mph were thick enough midweek to impact driving on NC 12, the only highway connecting the barrier islands, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.

“We are currently experiencing strong sustained winds along NC12 on Pea Island that are blowing sand onto the highway,” the NCDOT posted on May 24 Facebook.

“Crews will be out clearing the sand periodically all week, so please drive carefully and give them room to work.”

A gale warning is in effect until midday Saturday, May 27, with 28 mph to 40 mph winds and gusts as high as nearly 52 mph.

“Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility,” the National Weather Service said.

Rain will arrive Thursday night and storm chances will build to 80% through Saturday, with 2 to 4 inches expected, forecasters say. “Locally heavier amounts” are possible by Monday.

“This will bring a threat for localized flooding, and excessive runoff across the area this weekend. In addition this system will bring the potential for several coastal threats including rough surf, localized ocean overwash, minor coastal flooding and an elevated rip current risk,” forecasters say.

The ocean will also be risky, with strong currents capable of sweeping “swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas,” officials say. Waves as high as 14 feet may be seen Saturday.

“In many cases, the longshore current is strong enough to prevent swimmers from being able to keep their feet on the bottom making it difficult to return to shore,” the NWS says.

Cape Lookout National Seashore says ferries may not be operating to some of the park’s more remote areas, such as the Shackleford Banks. Visitors should also expect to find salt water flowing across roads, the park said.

“Go slow (no wake zone) and remember how much electronics your engine has. Keep it dry!” the park wrote on Facebook.

This story was originally published May 25, 2023 at 7:29 AM.