Chances for Tropical Cyclone Formation Decreasing; Rough Weather Still Expected By JOY CRIST

The chances for the storm system to become a tropical cyclone appear to be decreasing as of Tuesday morning, however residents and visitors should still prepare for heavy rain, dangerous winds, and rough surf with 6-9 foot waves.

The area of low pressure off the North Carolina / South Carolina coastal border now has a 40 percent probability of developing into a tropical storm. On Monday, the probability was 90 percent.

Tropical-storm-force winds are still expected through Tuesday night, however, with maximum wind gusts of roughly 55 mph throughout Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

Soundside flooding is still a possibility as well, with 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground forecast. 4 to 6 inches of total rainfall during the storm is also expected along the Outer Banks.

As of 5 a.m. Tuesday, the system was 175 miles SW of Wilmington, NC and was moving northeast at 12 mph. The system is anticipated to turn toward the east-northeast and accelerate during the next couple of days. The expected track will take the system along the North Carolina coast today before moving out to sea tonight.

Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands remain under a Tropical Storm Warning

Visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather forecast information covering Eastern NC, and visit the National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov for information on the tropics.

The Island Free Press will continue to monitor this system and will post updates as soon as they are available.

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