Rainy weather and rough surf will continue across Eastern North Carolina for the remainder of the week, and a Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until Thursday night for the Outer Banks, per a Wednesday evening update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.
Strong easterly winds and dangerous seas in excess of 10 feet will continue through Thursday, and will produce a dangerous shore break of 6-9 feet along the NC coast especially north of Cape Lookout. Onshore flow will also result in beach erosion and ocean overwash, and N.C. Highway 12 may be affected, especially during high tide cycles.
An additional 2 to 4 inches of rain, (with locally higher amounts), is forecast for the remainder of the week. This rainfall, on top of already saturated soils from Tropical Storm Arthur, could result in flash flooding and flooding of poor drainage areas.
Enhanced rip currents will also occur, especially north of Cape Lookout where a High Rip Current Risk is in effect for Wednesday and likely Thursday
The Coastal Flood Advisory is un effect for the Outer Banks from Cape Lookout north, and for soundside areas adjacent to the Neuse, Pamlico, Pungo, and Bay Rivers, where inundation of 1 to 2 feet above ground is expected.
To check the updated beach forecast from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/beach/mhx. Beach-goers can also text “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890 to sign up for text alerts from local Outer Banks Lifeguards on beach conditions.
For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
