Tornado Watch in effect until 8:00 p.m. for the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks and all regions of Eastern NC are under a Tornado Watch until 8:00 p.m., as the region is dealing with a one-two punch from the weather on Wednesday.
Strong winds from the south and southeast with gusts of up to 50 mph possible in some areas, especially along the coast.
The winds could bring down tree branches and cause power outages, and it will also crank up high surf along the south-facing beaches that could cause ocean overwash, along with minor soundside flooding in some locations.
That is all ahead of a powerful cold front that will cross the state later today, which is will produce strong to severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and even spawn an isolated tornado or waterspout.
Already several tornado warning have issued in central parts of the state, with some damage reported.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the entire region, a Coastal Flood Advisory for both the ocean and soundsides of Dare and Hyde counties, and a High Surf Advisory from Duck and Ocracoke.
Winds outside of storms will likely be hazardous on their own, according to forecasters at NWS Newport, with sustained speeds topping 30 mph and gusts above 40 mph.
That could be hazardous to high profile vehicles, especially along area bridges, and ferry service has already been suspended on the Ocracoke-mainland, Hatteras-Ocracoke and Currituck Sound routes on Wednesday.
Coastal flooding will be a concern with the strong winds, especially for south-facing portions of Beaufort, Hyde, and Dare counties, as well as soundside Outer Banks north of Cape Hatteras, with inundation of 1 to 2 feet above ground for areas prone to flooding from strong southerly winds.
The forecast for west/southwest winds behind the cold front have increased, resulting in elevated water levels for soundside areas Wednesday night into Thursday.
Hazardous seas pose a threat for minor beach erosion and localized ocean overwash for beaches vulnerable to southerly/south easterly swell and winds, with breakers of 7 to 10 feet possible.
A Storm Warning has been issued for the open waters south of Oregon Inlet, and a Gale Warning along the ocean north of Oregon Inlet and on all of the sounds.
The severe thunderstorm risk has increased from earlier forecasts. The greatest threat remains damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 mph, along with a low-end tornado threat.
There will also be periods of heavy rainfall, with storm totals of 0.5 to 1.5 inches that may result in isolated areas of minor flooding.
A few scattered showers and storms may develop during the morning and midday across the area, but the bulk of the thunderstorm activity is expected between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The forecast prompted all school systems and College of The Albemarle to dismiss clases early on Wednesday and cancel after school activities.
This type of weather system is typical for early March, and comes as North Carolina observes Severe Weather Awareness Week.
“As our state from the mountains to the coast faces a severe storm, strong winds, and potential flooding late tonight and all day tomorrow, we urge all North Carolinians to stay tuned to their local weather forecast and stay safe,” said Governor Josh Stein. “If a severe weather warning for isolated tornadoes is issued for your area, please have a plan to take immediate cover.”
Due to the severe weather threat, the statewide tornado drill that was to take place Wednesday morning has been postponed to Friday at 9:30 a.m.
