Severe Weather and Heavy Rain Forecasted for Monday and Tuesday

Coastal North Carolina residents should expect severe weather on Monday and Tuesday, April 24 and 25, per a 5:30 p.m. Saturday briefing issued by the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City Office.

A deepening low pressure system will stall just off the southern coast of North Carolina, starting on Monday and continuing until Tuesday. Rounds of heavy rain are expected from Monday morning through Tuesday afternoon and 3” to 5” inches of rain are possible, with locally higher amounts of 6″ or greater in areas between I-40 and US 70.

Flash flooding will be possible along the axis of the heaviest rain, and minor to moderate river flooding is likely to occur later in the week. Additionally, there is a marginal threat of severe thunderstorms on Monday for most of Eastern NC, with large hail and damaging winds possible.

Gale force winds are likely to develop Monday afternoon and last through Tuesday afternoon. Seas will quickly build late Monday night to 10 – 14 feet across much of the coastal waters, with the highest seas north of Cape Lookout. Strong rip currents and high surf are also likely all along the coast.

A Wind Advisory has been issued for all areas, with a forecasted 23-35 mph winds and 35 to 45 mph gusts possible during the weather event along the coast and the Outer Banks.

The heavy rain will continue into Tuesday morning before the low pressure system finally pushes north and out to sea, and severe thunderstorms are not expected on Tuesday.