Tropical Storm Watch Updated to Warning for Dare, Hyde Counties
The Tropical Storm Watch that was in effect for Dare and Hyde counties was upgraded to a tropical Storm Warning on Wednesday, as Michael is forecast to quickly head northeast through the Carolinas after making landfall in the Florida panhandle. A storm surge watch and flash flood watch are also in effect for both counties.
Michael is currently forecast to move just west of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands Thursday night before heading back out to the Atlantic Ocean
near the North Carolina / Virginia state border on Friday morning. The fast pace and westward track may limit soundside flooding south of Cape Hatteras, but 1 to 3 feet above ground soundside flooding with locally higher amounts remains possible for the Outer Banks.
1 to 1.5 inches of rain is also forecast for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands during the storm, as well as maximum sustained winds of 35-40 mph, and wind gusts of 55-58 mph.
A high threat of rip currents remains in effect, and is expected to continue throughout the end of the week. Dangerous maritime conditions are also forecast, with seas peaking at 10 to 20 feet offshore.
Residents and visitors are advised to prepare now before the rain and winds arrive tomorrow, per Dare County Emergency Management.
For more information, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather forecast info, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
