September and October are usually an extension of August on the Outer Banks.  Warm sunny days, mild breezes, and warm water temperatures.  Sure there is the chance of a passing tropical system (hurricane, tropical storm, etc.), but generally those threats move past quickly.  In fact many locals and seasoned vacationers argue the Fall, September and October specifically, is the nicest time of the year to be on the Outer Banks. 

The weather last week put this theory to the test.  A weather system, that did not develop enough to be a named storm, took shape off the coast of the Outer Banks, and this Nor’Easter persistently tormented the local area for the majority of the week.  Winds were in the 30-40 mph range with gusts up to 60 mph.  The ocean grew volatile, and water was pushed over the dunes flooding many locations.  School was cut short on Wednesday and closed on Thursday due to the high winds.  In addition to this locally grown system, Tropical Storm Kyle took shape in the mid-Atlantic and threatened even more damaging weather.  

There is always some level of excitement that accompanies a coastal storm, but the detrimental effects that high winds combined with the sheer strength of the ocean bring to a coastal community are humbling.  Luckily, the Nor-Easter began to loosen its grip on the Outer Banks and Kyle moved hastily up the Atlantic towards its landfall in Nova Scotia.  By Friday the skies brightened and excitement turned towards the great beach weather and the potential to make the most of the swell/waves the passing storms left in their wake.  

The weekend was gorgeous with temperatures in the 80’s and water temperatures in the low 70’s.  Surfers had a challenging paddle out beyond the break, but those who braved the over-head waves found some great Outer Banks surf.  Many beachgoers chose to forego the potentially dangerous waves and rip currents, but still enjoyed the great weather and the abundance of treasures that the storms washed up to shore…star fish, conch shells, sea glass, etc.   

Traditional Fall weather has returned to the Outer Banks after a storm filled week.  The sun is shining, the air is warm, and the crowds are gone.  It is still up for debate, but this could be the best time of year for a vacation.  

Weather Forecast for 9.29 – 10.3:

• 9.29:  Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 70s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. 
• 9.30:  Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs around 80. Light and variable winds…becoming east around 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of rain 20 percent.
• 10.1:  Mostly sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
• 10.2:  Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
• 10.3:  Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.