A strong coastal low which is expected to start impacting the Outer Banks on Friday night could result in significant ocean overwash and coastal flooding, wind gusts up to 60 mph, and heavy rains throughout the weekend, per a Wednesday evening update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.
Per the Wednesday evening NWS briefing, there is the potential for storm surge inundation 2 to 4 feet above ground level for oceanside areas of the Outer Banks, and areas adjacent to the Southern Pamlico Sound and Core Sound. The most significant oceanside impacts are expected north of Cape Hatteras, and portions of N.C. Highway 12 could be inundated and impassable at times.
Offshore peak wave heights of 15-25 ft. are also forecast with the coastal storm, as well as 3-4 inches of rain for northern Hatteras Island, and 4-6 inches of rain for southern Hatteras Island. Heavy downpours along the coast are expected, and minor rain-related flooding is possible.
Sustained winds of 25-35 mph are also forecast from late Friday night through Sunday with gusts up to 60 mph on southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island.
The Outer Banks will start seeing impacts on Friday night, and impacts will peak on Saturday and gradually subside by Sunday night and Monday morning. The Island Free Press will continue to post updates on the approaching weekend storm as they become available.
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/.
