The threat for severe weather on Thursday increased as a strong low pressure system moves up the coastline bringing thunderstorms, heavy rains and winds, per a Thursday morning briefing from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.
Temperatures will warm dramatically Thursday morning into the upper 60s, which will allow thunderstorms to form. Some of the thunderstorms could produce damaging wind gusts and possibly tornadoes. Dare County Schools were cancelled for Thursday due to concerns that the high wind gusts and the potential for flash flooding that could create unsafe driving conditions
Currently, 1.5-2 inches of rain is forecast for northern Hatteras Island, and 2-3 inches of rain is forecast for southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke. With saturated grounds from the recent heavy rains earlier in the week, localized flash flooding may develop. A flash flood watch is in effect for coastal Dare and Hyde Counties through 7 p.m. on Thursday night.
Southeast winds in the 25-35 mph range are also forecast for Thursday, and there is the potential for isolated tornadoes due to the strong gusty winds and possible thunderstorms.
For more information, 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/.
A flash flood watch is in effect for coastal Dare and Hyde Counties through 7 p.m. on Thursday night.
