The National Weather Service is ramping up its forecast for heavy weather for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands over the weekend, including northwest winds gusting upwards of 45 to 55 mph, likely soundside flooding, possible ocean overwash, high seas, and 1 to 2 inches of rain with locally heavier amounts.
According to the NWS forecast discussion, a “very impressive” upper system will have “significant” impacts on eastern North Carolina Saturday into Sunday.
An unusually deep upper low for this time of year is forecast to track across South Carolina on Saturday and then move off the North Carolina coast Saturday night. An associated surface coastal low pressure system will rapidly deepen off the Outer Banks Saturday afternoon and continue to deepen as it pulls away from the region Saturday night. The system will produce strong north to northwest winds.
On Friday afternoon, the Weather Service office in Newport, N.C., issued a storm warning for the coastal waters off the islands, a gale warning for the Pamlico Sound, and a high wind advisory for the Outer Banks of Dare and Hyde counties. A high surf advisory and a coastal flood advisory are likely to be issued later this evening.
A cold front will move through the area early Sunday with the coldest temperatures of the fall season. While mainland areas will probably see a frost or freeze, temperatures along the Outer Banks will dip only into the mid-40s.
Here are the details:
The early part of next week will see mainly clear skies and seasonal temperatures. A cold front will bring clouds and another chance for showers Wednesday night into Thursday.
