Stormy Weather
Storms can pop up at any time out of a seemingly clear sky. What one minute is a perfect day on the beach can turn into a raging gale of blowing sand, hail, lightning and heavy rain. Nearly every Hotel, Motel and Cottage will have a television with The Weather Channel. Check it each day before your outing and know of any warnings that may be issued.
A NOAA weather radio is also helpful and tuned to 162.475 Mhz, will report up to the minute warnings 24 hours a day. Many handheld and mobile scanning radios can also be programmed to receive this broadcast that originates from one of the big radio towers very near the Buxton Lighthouse. A close watch of the skies is always in order and at the slightest change in wind or the slightest color change of the sky, care should be taken to ensure your safety.
Lightning Strikes People Every Day!
Well, not on the Outer Banks every day, but somewhere. Lightning can jump out of a cloud miles away from you and remember that many times you are nearly the tallest thing on The Outer Banks. It's flat and just above sea level so you are a prime target. If you feel you can weather the storm or passing squall, get inside your vehicle and stay there. If there is any thunder that you can hear, remain inside. It might be a good time to go back to the room for a while, get a bite to eat, or just go shopping for that special gift you were looking for.
Wind pushes water amazingly well and onshore gales are notorious for flooding roadways and beaches. What was dry during the last high tide can be under feet of seawater during gales. Beware!