Severe thunderstorms Thursday will be followed by possible coastal flooding and ocean overwash

Severe thunderstorms and the potential for isolated tornadoes on Thursday night will be followed by a threat of damaging winds, coastal flooding, and ocean overwash through Saturday, per a Thursday morning update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office. 

In addition to the severe weather starting Thursday evening, a cold front is forecast to push across the region on Friday, bringing strong northerly winds. This could lead to minor to moderate coastal flooding from Frisco to Ocracoke in areas along the Pamlico Sound. Ocean overwash is also possible for the northern Outer Banks, from Frisco to the North Carolina state border, and especially during high tide cycles through Saturday.

Up to 2 to 3 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, resulting in a low threat of property damage. Some roads including N.C. Highway 12 could experience shallow flooding. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect from 9:00 a.m. Friday until 5:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Wind gusts up to 55 mph are also forecast from Friday through Saturday on Hatteras Island, and wind gusts up to 49 mph are forecast for Ocracoke Island.

Maximum wave heights are expected to be 7 to 15 feet south of Hatteras, and 12 to 20 feet north of Hatteras. Gale Warnings have been issued for all coastal waters and inland sounds from 11:00 a.m. on Friday through 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, and a Small Craft Advisory is also in effect starting on Thursday at 4:00 p.m.

Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact the Outer Banks on Thursday night starting at around 6:00 p.m., and damaging winds in thunderstorms could lead to structural damage, trees down or uprooted, and power outages. Isolated tornadoes are also possible, starting Thursday afternoon, resulting in areas of enhanced damage.

The public is advised to have multiple ways to receive warnings in case of isolated tornadoes, and can stay informed by signing by for the new OBXAlerts system from Dare County, which provides both emergency and routine alerts for the Outer Banks.

Folks can sign up for OBXAlerts via this link and can select the alerts and notifications they wish to receive. To maintain uninterrupted service, all current users of OBXAlerts must create a new profile by February 28, 2021.

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/.