UPDATE:  Higher Winds, Higher Potential for Coastal Flooding in Sunday Afternoon Briefing

Maximum wind gusts and the threat of coastal flooding have both increased for the coastal storm that is impacting Hatteras and Ocracoke islands through Monday, per a Sunday afternoon briefing from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

The Sunday night and Monday forecast now calls for wind gusts up to 60 mph on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, with 2 to 4 feet of above ground oceanside flooding, and 1 to 2 feet of above ground soundside flooding.

High surf will lead to beach erosion and ocean overwash, and residents are advised to move their vehicles if they have experienced flooding in the past. Portions of N.C. Highway 12 are expected to be inundated with water, especially around high tide. The next high tide is around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday night.

3-4 inches of total rain is also expected over southern Hatteras and Ocracoke islands through Monday. A High Wind Warning and Storm Warning have been issued for the coastal area.

For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.