Tornado Watch Issued for the Outer Banks; Coastal Flood and Storm Warnings in effect for Christmas Eve

The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office has issued a Tornado Watch for Dare and Hyde Counties, which is in effect until 10 p.m. tonight.

Per the NWS, the highest risk window for possible tornadoes is after 3:00 p.m. through 4:00 a.m. The public is urged to continue to monitor the weather through the night, and to have multiple ways to receive warnings.

A Coastal Flood Warning, Storm Warning, High Wind Warning, and High Surf Advisory have also been issued ahead of a coastal storm that is expected to impact the Outer Banks on Christmas Eve through Christmas Day.

Moderate to significant ocean overwash is expected, especially during high tide, from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke Island, starting on Christmas Eve. N.C. Highway 12 will likely be impassable at times, and beach erosion is also likely with 8 to 12 ft. waves.

Soundside flooding is also a threat, and especially in between Nags Head and Cape Hatteras, with 2-4 ft. of inudation possible. South winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph are expected, and damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines.

If travel is required on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, allow extra time as some roads may be impacted, including N.C. Highway 12. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth, and take necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Current driving conditions can be monitored online via the NCDOT website https://drivenc.gov/.

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/.