Coastal low will bring heavy rains, high winds, and possible coastal flooding

A developing coastal low pressure system will affect the Outer Banks area on Sunday and Sunday night, bringing localized heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and the potential for minor coastal flooding to the region, per an update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

Wind gusts up to 35-45 mph on Sunday and Monday mornings are currently forecast, with moderate to heavy rainfall of 2-3 inches for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, and localized higher amounts.

Gusty NE winds will bring a minor coastal flooding threat along the southern Pamlico Sound on Sunday morning. On Monday morning, gusty W to NW winds will result in a minor coastal flooding threat to the soundside Outer Banks. While the timing of the low pressure system is coming into better focus, the strength and track of the low, and the corresponding wind and coastal flooding threat, remain moderately uncertain as of Friday morning, Feb. 10.

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/.