Tropical Storm Wind Probability Increases in Saturday Evening NWS Update

Though the forecast track for Florence is still uncertain, the probability for tropical storm-strength winds has increased for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, per the Saturday evening update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.

Confidence continues to increase that Florence will intensify rapidly over the next few days, and the current tropical storm is expected to become a hurricane again on Sunday.

The risk of direct impacts later this week continues to increase as well, with tropical storm force winds forecast to arrive as early as Wednesday. Per the NWS, visitors and residents should expect these probabilities to continue to increase for coastal North Carolina unless significant changes are made to the forecast track in the next few days.

Heavy rainfall is expected in the vicinity of Florence, and the swath of heaviest rainfall may shift with the forecast track.

A high threat of dangerous rip currents north of Cape Lookout to Duck is also forecast for Sunday, but large, dangerous surf is expected everywhere on the Outer Banks this week. Coastal erosion and ocean overwash is also possible as early as late Sunday on the Outer Banks.

Dare County Emergency Management advises visitors and residents to ensure that their emergency kit is properly stocked, and that their emergency plan, including possible evacuation, is ready to implement should protective actions become necessary. For preparedness tips and information, visit www.readync.org.

For more info on Florence, 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/ .