Gusty northeast winds and coastal flooding are expected to impact Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands beginning Thursday, with a stronger coastal storm likely to form this weekend that could bring more significant impacts to the area.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City Office, strong northeast winds are expected to develop Thursday into Friday behind a cold front, with gusts potentially reaching 45–50 mph.
Confidence is high that these winds will generate minor to moderate coastal flooding along vulnerable areas of the Outer Banks, including sections of N.C. Highway 12 that are prone to ocean overwash during northeast events
Forecasters are also monitoring the development of a coastal storm off the Southeast U.S. coast this weekend, which could bring stronger winds and moderate to major coastal flooding to some communities, including low-lying sections of Hatteras and Ocracoke. Confidence in this second phase of impacts is currently moderate, but water level rises and dune erosion are possible if the storm tracks close to the coast
The timing of impacts is expected from Thursday through Sunday, with the most significant weather likely to occur during the weekend storm event. Coastal flooding and overwash may lead to travel disruptions along Highway 12, particularly around high tide cycles.
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/.
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