A coastal low pressure system may develop offshore later this week, bringing the potential for coastal flooding, high surf, and hazardous marine conditions from Thursday through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City, N.C. office.
King Tides will begin Tuesday, setting the stage for elevated water levels along the coast. By Thursday and Friday, strong winds and high seas will build behind an approaching cold front, and forecasters say confidence is increasing in the formation of a coastal low this weekend.
This system could bring several days of coastal flooding and dangerous marine conditions across eastern North Carolina, with vulnerable communities on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands expected to see the most significant impacts if the current forecast holds.
“Stay tuned to forecast updates in the coming days as there is still a lot to iron out,” the National Weather Service advised early Monday morning.
A long-duration wind and wave event combined with high tides could lead to prolonged coastal flooding and erosion issues, while rainfall totals will depend on the exact location of the coastal low. Marine conditions are expected to deteriorate beginning Thursday, with high waves and strong winds continuing through at least Sunday.
The event is forecast to develop gradually, giving coastal residents and mariners time to prepare. Officials encourage everyone to monitor daily forecasts closely as the week progresses.
For information on the local forecast, visit weather.gov/mhx for general weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
The post Coastal low pressure system could develop offshore later this week appeared first on Island Free Press.
Add to favoritesCredit: Original content published here.
