High Wind Watch, Gale Watch Issued in Anticipation of Friday Storm

A high wind watch and a gale watch has been issued for the Outer Banks in anticipation of severe weather forecast for Friday afternoon and evening, per a Thursday morning update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City Office.

Hatteras and Ocracoke islands are at an enhanced risk for severe weather from Friday afternoon through Friday night, which means that numerous thunderstorms are possible, along with heavy rains, high surf, high winds, and gale conditions along the coastline.

Wind gusts up to 55 mph are possible for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, as are dangerous seas up to 20 feet with worst conditions over the coastal waters from Oregon Inlet to Cape Lookout.

There is a chance for minor coastal flooding as well, particularly north of Oregon Inlet through Saturday morning.

1.5 to 2 inches of rain is also forecast for the islands during the storm, and isolated tornadoes are possible along the eastern portion of the state.

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/.