Coastal Flood Advisory, Gale Warning in Effect for Friday and Saturday

A Coastal Flood Advisory and a Gale Warning are in effect for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands for Friday afternoon through Saturday, per a Friday morning update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

Increasing NE winds on Friday could result in minor coastal flooding for areas along the Outer Banks, and specifically for soundside Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands, mainly from Rodanthe south. High surf could result in minor beach erosion north of Cape Hatteras, and the highest probability for potential coastal flooding is from late Friday through Saturday morning.

Up to 1 foot of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, resulting in a low threat of property damage. The Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect from 11 p.m. on Friday until 7 a.m. on Saturday.

A rain and snow mix is also forecasted for inland areas of Eastern N.C., and mainly along and north of Highway 70. The highest threat window for precipitation is overnight Friday into Saturday, but any snowfall accumulation should be light and be confined to grassy areas, and roads should remain wet and navigable.

A Gale Warning is also in effect from 1 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. on Saturday. North winds of 20 to 30 knots, with gusts up to 40 knots and rough waters, are expected. Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe 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/.