Severe weather possible on Thursday afternoon and evening, May 19

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

There is a risk of scattered to numerous thunderstorms, some severe, which is forecast for late this afternoon and tonight across eastern North Carolina. The main threats will be damaging wind gusts, large hail, and frequent lightning, but there is also the possibility of an isolated tornado. The storms could impact Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, but the best chance for a severe storm will be inland N.C.

A Small Craft Advisory is also in effect for the Pamlico Sound from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. due to southwest winds of 15 to 25 kt and rough waters expected. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.

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/.