Faster Storm Forecast to Affect the Outer Banks Monday

The National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City Office reports that a second March storm will move northeastward off the North Carolina coast on Monday, March 12.

Fortunately, the storm will be quick moving, and winds will begin diminishing and turn to the northwest later Monday night with conditions improving soon after.

Nevertheless, coastal impacts are currently expected for Monday along the Outer Banks, which includes the following:

•    Minor coastal flooding -(primarily along the oceanside north of Cape Hatteras as well as soundside Downeast Cartert County in the vicinity of Cedar Island)

•    Possible ocean overwash north of Cape Hatteras – (particularly in vulnerable areas that were affected by the last storm)

•    Gale force north to northeast winds on the waters, and gusty north to northeast winds on the Outer Banks 40-45 mph

•    Periods of moderate to occasional heavy rain Sunday night through Monday

The low pressure will develop just of the North Carolina coast on Monday and will move quickly through the area, unlike the first March storm which lingered for several days, creating heightened impacts.

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/.