Nor’easter-Style Storm Expected to Impact Coastline this Weekend

A Nor’easter-like storm will impact Eastern North Carolina this weekend, bringing with it strong gusty winds, heavy rains, and the potential for strong thunderstorms, per a Friday 7:30 a.m. update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City Office.

A strong low pressure system is expected to develop just ahead of a cold front, which will cross the Eastern N.C. region on Sunday. The low pressure will track along or just off the coastline on Sunday morning.

Residents and visitors on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands should expect periods of rain Saturday night with heavier rain arriving on Sunday morning and tapering off on Sunday afternoon. Minor flooding issues are possible as the heavy rain – (1-2″ locally with up to 3″ possible) – will fall over a short amount of time, (approximately 12 hours.)

Winds will also increase Saturday night and will be the strongest just ahead of the low pressure system on Sunday morning, as well as behind the cold front later in the day Sunday into Sunday night.

Maximum wind gusts are expected to reach the high 30s on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Strong thunderstorms are also possible along the Eastern N.C. region.

Travelers are urged to use caution when driving over the weekend, especially on Saturday evening through Sunday night. For more information on the weekend storm, visit https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.