Soundside flooding and ocean overwash possible on Saturday

A strong cold front that will move through the Outer Banks on Saturday will have the potential to bring severe weather, very strong winds, and minor coastal flooding, per a Friday morning update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.

Strong wind gusts up to 60-65 mph are expected along the coast, and minor flooding is possible, especially along the soundside of the Outer Banks, from Saturday morning through Saturday evening. Soundside flooding up to 2 feet above ground level is currently forecast for areas north of Hatteras village.

Rough surf and minor beach erosion are expected from Oregon Inlet to Surf City, N.C., with maximum offshore wave heights of 15-20 ft.  Minor ocean overwash is possible between Oregon Inlet and Ocracoke, and N.C. Highway 12 may be impacted.

Rain may briefly change to snow late Saturday afternoon and evening as temperatures plummet behind the front. A Storm Warning is in effect from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and a High Wind Watch is in effect from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for the Outer Banks.

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/.