A developing coastal low pressure system is forecast to bring strong northeast winds, large waves, and potential ocean overwash to the Outer Banks beginning Monday and lasting through Wednesday, according to a Sunday morning update from the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Newport/Morehead City
Forecasters say confidence is high that the system will impact eastern North Carolina, with conditions expected to peak on Tuesday. Wind gusts may reach up to 50 mph along the coast, and large waves could lead to coastal flooding and overwash on vulnerable stretches of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.
Persistent northeast winds are also expected to elevate water levels in the southern Pamlico Sound and inlets connected to the Neuse and Bay rivers. While rainfall impacts remain low at this time, forecasters caution that the combination of wind, surf, and water-level rise could produce hazardous conditions along the coastline.
“Large waves bring ocean overwash and coastal flooding concerns to the Outer Banks, particularly vulnerable locales,” the NWS stated in its briefing. Officials advise residents and visitors to secure loose outdoor items, monitor local updates, and avoid driving through saltwater on N.C. Highway 12 if overwash occurs.
The National Weather Service also noted that a second low pressure system could affect eastern North Carolina later in the week, potentially extending unsettled weather conditions beyond midweek.
The next weather briefing from NWS Newport/Morehead City is scheduled for Monday morning unless forecast changes warrant an earlier update. For the latest information, visit weather.gov/mhx.
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