Potential Tropical Cyclone Four could bring heavy rains, flooding, and dangerous rip currents next week

A disturbance that is currently near Cuba is forecast to move to the northwest and become a Tropical Storm sometime this weekend near Florida, per an update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office.

Regardless of storm strength or final track, the Outer Banks may see impacts from the system as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, August 6-7.

Potential impacts include heavy rains, flooding, and dangerous rip currents. Additional hazards are possible, however, it is too early to determine the exact track and strength of the storm.

Impacts may last many days depending on the final track, and whether or not this potential storm slows down or stalls.

“This potential cyclone has significant uncertainty in the track and intensity,” stated Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson in a Friday update. “Even with that uncertainty, it’s never too soon to start preparing, just in case. Now’s the time to review plans and update supplies. It’s also the time to keep an eye out for updates from trusted sources like the National Hurricane Center and our local NWS office.”

A list of local Outer Banks resources for information is below.

For alerts and notifications from Dare County on a customizable list of events or emergencies, (including hurricane evacuations and updates), visit https://www.darenc.gov/departments/emergency-management/emergency-alerts.
For rip current information and other beach hazards, sign up for text alerts from Dare County, ocean rescue agencies, and the National Weather Service by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295.
For real-time flood maps that show water level rises throughout Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, (as well as optional alerts), visit the NC Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network.
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/.
For up-to-date information on tropical conditions, follow the NWS at gov/mhx/tropical or visit the National Hurricane Center’s website. Just pay attention to all info, and not just the cone graphics.
To sign up for the Special Needs Registry for hurricane assistance through Dare County, visit https://www.darenc.gov/departments/health-human-services/special-medical-needs-registry or call 252-475-5599.
For Dare County hurricane information, including reentry procedures, visit https://www.darenc.gov/departments/emergency-management/hurricanes.
For updates regarding road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov and follow the North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCDOT NC 12 on Facebook. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office also shares local road condition updates on its Facebook page.
To get notified of ferry delays or cancellations, sign up for text and/or email alerts via the N.C. Ferry System’s FINS system: www.ncdot.gov/fins.
For up-to-the-minute local information on hurricanes, as they happen, listen to Radio Hatteras at 101.5 (Avon through Hatteras) and 99.9 (Tri-villages), or visit them online at https://www.radiohatteras.org/.
For online news coverage on active storms, continue to check the Island Free Press.