Morehead City, N.C. (September 29, 2025) — As Hurricane Imelda approaches, authorities along the North Carolina coast have closed a stretch of beach in the Outer Banks over safety concerns. High surf, flooding, and rough seas from the storm are expected to cause significant damage to oceanfront homes, which may collapse or break apart, putting residents and visitors at risk.
What Happened
As of Monday night, Hurricane Imelda remained a tropical storm with sustained winds of 65 mph, but is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm was positioned 200 miles east of Cape Canaveral and moving north at 9 mph. Even though the hurricane is expected to stay off the North Carolina coast, its effects will still be felt, with coastal flood warnings issued for the Outer Banks and parts of Carteret County.
Forecasts predict large waves of 6 to 8 feet, possibly building to 10 to 12 feet, particularly in Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island. These areas, along with parts of Carteret County, are expected to experience flooding, with 2 to 3 feet of water anticipated in low-lying regions near shorelines and tidal waterways.
What’s Closed
Due to the high risks from the storm, multiple areas have been closed for safety. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore in northern Rodanthe and all beaches in Buxton are now closed, with authorities citing concerns over oceanfront structures that may collapse into the sea. These closures are part of efforts to prevent dangerous debris from being released into the water and onto beaches.
What’s Next
Officials are urging visitors to stay out of the water on ocean-facing beaches due to dangerous surf and rip currents. A high surf advisory is in place, and residents are advised to avoid travel during high tide periods to avoid the worst of the flooding, which is expected to peak around those times.
A coastal flood warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday until 8 p.m. Friday, while the high surf advisory will last until 8 a.m. Saturday.
Closing Line
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
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