Strong winds, possible coastal flooding may impact the Outer Banks on Easter Weekend

There is increasing confidence that an extended period of strong north to northeasterly winds behind a stalled cold front will impact the Outer Banks over Easter Weekend, per an update from the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office.

Strong north to northeasterly winds with gusts up to 45 mph will develop Friday and strengthen through the weekend, resulting in dangerous surf along the Outer Banks and potential coastal flooding.

Soundside flooding is possible Saturday and Sunday nights for the southwestern Pamlico Sound and adjacent rivers, with up to 2-3 feet of inundation.

Large surf is expected for beaches from Cape Lookout north to Duck, particularly late Saturday and Sunday, leading to potential beach erosion and minor overwash in vulnerable areas.

The highest uncertainty revolves around the intensity and direction of the winds, and therefore coastal/soundside impacts. The forecast will be refined as the weekend approaches.

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/.