Monday storm could bring strong winds gusts, high surf, and severe thunderstorms

A deepening area of low pressure will lift across Eastern North Carolina on Monday which will result in strong sustained winds along the coast, isolated thunderstorms, and damaging wind gusts, per an update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.

A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Outer Banks from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday due to strong wind gusts up to 50 mph, and a High Surf Advisory is also in effect from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Additionally, large surf and beach erosion will be possible along Hatteras Island, Ocracoke, and the Core Banks, with maximum offshore wave heights of 12-15 ft.

1-1.5 inches of rain is also forecast for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, and thunderstorms moving onshore may bring isolated tornadoes and the risk of structural damage, tree damage, and power outages. The NWS advises all residents and visitors have multiple ways to receive warnings, such as the NWS website at www.weather.gov/mhx, broadcast media, NOAA Weather Radio, and/or access to a cell phone and social media.

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/.