Tornado Watch issued for the Outer Banks until 10 p.m. Friday

A Tornado Watch has been issued for the entire Eastern North Carolina region, including the Outer Banks, until 10 p.m. on Friday, per an update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office.

The NWS advises all residents and visitors to ensure that they have multiple ways to receive warnings throughout the day and evening. This includes the NWS website at www.weather.gov/mhx, broadcast media, NOAA Weather Radio, and/or access to a cell phone and social media. (The NWS also automatically tweets out warnings via their Twitter page at www.twitter.com/nwsmoreheadcity.)

A stalled front off the N.C. coast and strong high pressure to the north will help contribute to the impacts of Hurricane Ian across the Outer Banks, with a prolonged period of wind, rain, and elevated water levels that is expected to last through Saturday at the earliest.

For more information on the local forecast and road conditions as of midday Friday, click here.

Additional information can also be found on the following sites:

• For up-to-date information regarding road conditions on N.C. Highway 12, follow the North Carolina Department of Transportation on Facebook at www.facebook/ncdotnc12, on Twitter @NCDOTNC12 or visit drivenc.gov.
• To sign up for emergency alerts from Dare County Emergency Management, visit www.OBXAlerts.com
• View the latest watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mhx or https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
• Keep your cell phone charged and have Government Alerts enabled to ensure you receive National Weather Service-issued alerts for life-threatening weather conditions.