Coastal Flooding Possible for the OBX Beginning Friday Night, While Snow is Possible Inland

A low pressure system is expected to slowly track off the Carolina coast on Friday, bringing a threat of coastal flooding and a rain / snow mix for inland North Carolina, per a Thursday afternoon update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

Increasing NE winds on Friday could result in minor coastal flooding for areas along the southern Pamlico Sound and the Neuse/Bay Rivers. High surf could result in minor beach erosion north of Cape Hatteras, and the highest probability for potential coastal flooding is from late Friday through Saturday morning.

A rain and snow mix is also forecasted for inland areas of Eastern N.C., and mainly along and north of Highway 70. The highest threat window for precipitation is overnight Friday into Saturday, but any snowfall accumulation should be light and be confined to grassy areas, and roads should remain wet and navigable.

A Small Craft Advisory is currently in effect for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands from 11:00 a.m. on Friday until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. North winds of 15 to 25 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots and rough waters, are expected. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

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/.