Nor'easter - September 2026
Nor'easter Update #4
The storm remains offshore and continues to affect the area. Winds are expected to shift to the northwest on Saturday, which should bring the ocean down somewhat and make beach travel slightly easier. Sunday should be noticeably better, with normal conditions expected to return Monday.
Because this storm has brought wind more than rain, the primary issue on the roads is sand rather than water. Many roads in the 4x4 area are heavily drifted over. Take it slow, and be prepared for uneven surfaces and blind rises.
If you are departing 4x4 this weekend, we are asking you to wait until 11:00 AM rather than the standard 10:00 AM checkout. At 10:00 AM the beach will still be in rough shape, and the extra hour makes for a considerably easier trip off. Vendors may arrive to begin services at or after 10:00 AM, and that is expected.
If you are arriving to 4x4 Saturday, please plan to be on the beach well before 5:00 PM. A 6:00 or 7:00 PM arrival is likely to mean waiting for the tide, potentially until late in the evening.
All guests should be cautious accessing the beach during and after the storm. Beach walkways may become damaged or covered by sand. Watch for debris on the beach or in the ocean.
You may be seeing images of flooding and impassable roads circulating online and on social media. Those conditions are south of us, primarily around Rodanthe and Pea Island, where Highway 12 has been compromised. They do not reflect conditions in the areas where we represent homes. If you are unsure what applies to your stay, check your email or this page rather than social media.
Safe travels to everyone checking in and out this weekend!
Nor'easter Update #3
A nor'easter continues over the Outer Banks. Conditions have picked up slightly since yesterday, with wind now the main factor and the tide running high.
If you're seeing dramatic coverage of this storm, conditions on the ground are steadier than the headlines suggest. Nor'easters are a normal part of life here. They can be severe and they do cause real damage along the oceanfront, largely because they linger for days rather than passing through quickly the way a hurricane does. Locals watch them closely, and they are worth respecting, but this is familiar weather for us.
If you're driving the 4x4 beach today, wait until at least 10:00 or 10:30. Low tide is at 12:30, and the closer you travel to that window, the easier the drive will be. Take it slow coming on and off the ramp.
If you're currently in a vacation home, please keep deck furniture, grills, and anything loose secured. Expect standing water in low spots and on roadways. Rough surf and rip currents make swimming unsafe until this passes.
Nor'easter Update #2
A nor'easter is moving through the Outer Banks. Rain has been light so far, but the ocean is rough and building, and conditions are expected to peak Thursday into Friday before the system clears over the weekend.
Storms like this are routine here, most often between November and March, and this one should move out within a couple of days. Beach conditions typically improve quickly once the swell drops.
If you're driving the 4x4 beach, plan your trip within two hours either side of low tide, if possible. Watch for deep, water filled holes along the dune line.
If you're currently in a vacation home, please secure deck furniture, grills, umbrellas, and anything else loose outside. Expect standing water in low spots and on roadways. Rough surf and rip currents make swimming unsafe until this passes.
