Strong winds, coastal flooding, and heavy rains forecast with Thursday storm

A slow-moving cold front is forecast to move across Eastern N.C. today, bringing strong wind gusts, heavy rains, and possible coastal flooding, per a Thursday morning update from the National Weather Newport / Morehead City office.

Strong southerly winds ahead of the front will result in Gale Force Winds over the coastal waters and sounds with gusts up to 50 mph possible along the immediate coast. An isolated damaging wind gust and a brief tornado will be possible in the strongest thunderstorms.

Heavy rainfall with amounts in excess of 3-4 inches in spots will result in minor flooding of low lying areas. The strong winds will produce dangerous surf of 6-9 feet, resulting in beach erosion and rip currents.

Minor soundside flooding with inundation of 1-2 feet above ground will be possible in areas vulnerable to southerly flow. The severe weather is expected to last through Thursday evening and will taper off by Friday.

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/.