Coastal flooding possible on Saturday; High winds, thunderstorms expected Friday night

Severe weather is expected from Friday night into Saturday, with damaging winds, thunderstorms, and the potential for soundside flooding and ocean overwash, per a Friday morning briefing from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City Office.

Minor soundside flooding is expected for the Outer Banks, with the highest water levels north of Avon to Roanoke Island. Ocean overwash is possible for vulnerable parts of Ocracoke Island, which may result in temporary closures of N.C. Highway 12.

Max wave heights of 12 feet offshore and 7-10 feet nearshore will lead to dangerous maritime conditions. Large/powerful surf and beach erosion is also possible between Oregon Inlet and Cape Lookout.

Damaging wind gusts and the potential for isolated tornadoes are also expected on Friday night and Saturday, with maximum wind gusts of 45-50 mph forecast for the Outer Banks. Strong, damaging winds in thunderstorms could lead to structural damage, trees down or uprooted, and power outages along Eastern N.C. and the Outer Banks.

A Coastal Flood Advisory, High Surf Advisory, and Wind Advisory are in effect for Saturday, and a Gale Warning is in effect from Friday night through Saturday afternoon.

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/.