Severe Weather Threat Expands for Coastal North Carolina

Flash flood watches continue for roughly the southwestern 2/3rds of eastern North Carolina, per the 5 a.m. April 24 briefing from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City Office.

Widespread 2 to 3 inches of rain is expected to fall with the highest amounts most likely west of US 17 and south of US 70. That being said, local amounts of 5 inches or more are possible where thunderstorms are focused. Per the latest briefing, Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are expected to receive roughly 1 to 2 inches of rain.

The severe weather threat has increased with damaging wind gusts and an isolated tornado possible through Tuesday morning.

A wind advisory has also been issued for the Outer Banks tonight for southeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to around 45 mph. These strong onshore winds will lead to big waves over the coastal waters and a high surf advisory has been issued from Cape Lookout north late today into early Tuesday.

The severe weather is due to a low pressure system which is expected to deepen off the Carolina coast Monday and slowly move ashore to Eastern NC on Tuesday. Rounds of heavy rain are expected to develop on Monday afternoon, and will continue through Tuesday morning.

For information on this evolving weather system, visit www.spc.noaa.gov and / or www.weather.gov/mhx

NCDOT Offers the Following Safety Driving Tips: