Coastal storm could bring flooding, high winds, heavy rains early next week

A coastal storm on Sunday and Monday could bring potential ocean overwash and coastal flooding, strong winds, and heavy rains along the Outer Banks, per a recent update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

Strong southeast winds on Sunday will shift to the southwest on Sunday night and Monday, and minor to locally moderate water level rises will be possible for areas adjacent to the ocean and Pamlico Sound. High surf could result in minor ocean overwash and beach erosion from Duck to Surf City, N.C.

Strong winds with gusts up to 40-50 mph are probable along the Outer Banks, with offshore seas up to 10 feet, and heavy rains could result in localized flooding of low-lying areas. A wintery mix of snow, sleet, and rain is expected across portions of eastern North Carolina on Sunday morning, with the best chances of snow occurring inland.

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/.