State of emergency declared for Hatteras Island; live look at NC 12

The system that is expected to bring us the coldest air of the season will spawn an area of low pressure off the Outer Banks this weekend that could cause major headaches for days.

Authorities in Dare County are already preparing for the storm. On Friday, county officials declared a state of emergency for Hatteras Island and ordered all visitors off the island. Residents are not being asked to leave.

On Saturday at noon, Dare County officials said, "The window of opportunity to safely leave Hatteras Island is rapidly closing, and visitors who have not yet departed are urged to leave immediately." 

The National Weather Service at Newport and Morehead City forecasts say this storm will last several days and bring strong winds, significant flooding, and dangerous conditions. 

The evacuation order covers the following areas:

• Rodanthe
• Waves
• Salvo
• Avon
• Buxton
• Frisco
• Hatteras Village

Once the low spins up, the surf will get churned up and batter the Outer Banks and coast for most of next week, the way things look now.

We're looking at another situation where coastal flooding, up to 50 mph gusts, and major beach erosion will cause issues for residents up and down our coast, but especially in the Outer Banks.

Overwash is expected along Highway 12, and the most vulnerable parts may be inundated, especially during high tides.

If this storm lasts several days, more significant overwash will reach vulnerable oceanfront areas through multiple high tide cycles through next week.

We may also see a loss of homes in the Outer Banks.