Coastal flooding, high winds, heavy rain expected this weekend with storm system

Confidence is increasing that a multi-hazard storm system will impact Eastern N.C. from Sunday into Monday, bringing heavy rain, wind, and coastal flooding to the Outer Banks, per a recent briefing from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

For the majority of the event, heavy rain, wind, and coastal flooding will likely be the highest impacts.  With strong southeast winds on Sunday shifting to the west or southwest Sunday night into Monday, minor to moderate water level rises are possible along the soundside.

High surf could result in minor ocean overwash and beach erosion from Duck to Surf City, N.C.

Strong winds with gusts up to 40-50 mph are probable along the Outer Banks, with offshore seas up to 10 feet, and heavy rains could result in localized flooding of low-lying areas.

Inland North Carolina areas may see a brief period of a wintry mix, (freezing rain, sleet, light snow), early Sunday before transitioning to rain, heavy at times, by late Sunday morning through the afternoon. Currently, the Outer Banks is not expected to see snow from the storm system.

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/.