Severe weather possible Friday; Coastal Flooding possible early next week

Severe weather is possible for the Outer Banks on Friday afternoon and evening, per an update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.

There is a slight risk for severe weather from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., and from 10:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. on early Saturday morning. The main threats will be damaging wind gusts, large hail, and the possibility of an isolated tornado. The storms could impact Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, but the best chance of severe storms will be inland N.C. and the northern Outer Banks.

Beyond Friday, a prolonged period of coastal flooding is expected Sunday through Wednesday of next week. During that time, multiple days of strong north to northeast winds will combine with offshore waves of 10 to 15 feet to produce severe beach erosion, minor to moderate coastal flooding, ocean overwash, and high threats for rip currents.

The highest threat of oceanside flooding will be from Cape Hatteras to the northern Outer Banks, and N.C. Highway 12 may be impacted. Coastal flooding could occur over multiple high tide cycles, and elevated water levels along the soundside are also expected for multiple days along southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island.

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/.