Severe weather expected on Thursday; Coastal flooding possible on Friday

The potential for severe weather on Thursday is increasing for the Outer Banks, with damaging wind gusts, large hail in excess of 1 inch in diameter, and possible tornadoes, per a Wednesday morning update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office. 

In addition to the severe weather starting Thursday afternoon, a strong 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 Rodanthe to Kitty Hawk, and especially during high tide cycles through Saturday.

Wind gusts up to 45-50 mph are forecast, and strong, 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/.