Heavy rains and chance of severe weather forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday

Heavy rain is likely Wednesday night and Thursday, with up to 1.5-2” inches of rain forecasted for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, per a Wednesday morning update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office.

A few strong to severe storms capable of producing damaging winds, isolated tornados, and small hail are also possible starting Wednesday evening. The most probable timing of severe storms will be between 5:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. on Thursday.

The threat of a tornado or hail is low, but minor flooding is possible in low-lying areas with poor drainage.

For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or visit the NWS Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.