Confidence increasing that the Outer Banks will see impacts from weekend storm

Confidence is increasing that the Outer Banks will see impacts from a strong low pressure system on Sunday and Monday, per a recent briefing from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

Minor ocean overwash is possible from Duck to Cape Hatteras on Sunday and Monday, and N.C. Highway 12 could be affected, especially around high tide. Minor to moderate soundside flooding is also forecasted with the storm, with 1-3 ft. above-ground-level water level rises possible from Avon to the northern Outer Banks, and 1-2 ft. above-ground-level water level rises possible from Buxton to Ocracoke Island.

Strong winds with gusts up to 50-60 mph are probable along the Outer Banks, with offshore seas up to 20 feet, and 1.5-2 inches of heavy rain could result in localized flooding of low-lying areas.

Inland North Carolina areas may see a brief period of a wintry mix, (freezing rain, sleet, light snow), early Sunday before transitioning to rain, heavy at times, by late Sunday morning through the afternoon. Currently, the Outer Banks is not expected to see snow from the storm system.

A High Wind Watch and Coastal Flood Watch have been issued for the Outer Banks for Sunday and Monday.

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/.