Thunderstorms, Severe Weather Possible on Thursday

A small risk of thunderstorms and severe weather is forecast for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, mainly during the late afternoon and evening, per a Thursday morning update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City Office.

Scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms are possible starting Thursday, especially on the mainland of eastern North Carolina. The main threats that accompany the storms are damaging winds and frequent lightning, but isolated large hail and a tornado are a minor possibility for the Outer Banks.

There is also a high risk of rip currents from Cape Point to Ocracoke Island, and a moderate risk of rip currents from Cape Point to Oregon Inlet. Beachgoers can text “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890 to sign up for alerts on beach conditions.

The severe weather should leave the coastal region 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/.