High Winds, Possible Flooding Headed to the Islands Monday Night and Tuesday

A combination of heavy winds, rain, and coastal flooding is forecast for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands beginning Monday night, with greatest impacts on Tuesday, per an afternoon briefing from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City Office.

The latest briefing is forecasting 1.5 to 2 inches of rain for the islands, beginning late tonight, as well as maximum wind gusts of roughly 45 mph. Winds will peak Tuesday and will decrease rapidly Tuesday night, and wind direction throughout the weather event will be from the Southeast.

Minor coastal flooding is also possible, especially around high tides, with water levels 1 to 2 feet above ground. Minor beach erosion is possible as well, and N.C. Highway 12 could be impacted and flooded at times.

Waves will peak at 15 to 16 feet offshore, and dangerous seas and a high risk of rip currents are also forecast during the event. The developing area of low pressure is forecast to lift north across eastern North Carolina Tuesday through Tuesday night, and will leave the area quickly.

For more information, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather forecast information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.