Rainy Days and Strong Winds Expected in Eastern North Carolina This Week

Rainy Days Ahead for Eastern North Carolina!

Hey there, Eastern North Carolina! After roughly six weeks of dry skies, it looks like Mother Nature is finally ready to bless us with some much-needed rain. That’s right—grab your umbrellas and rain jackets because we’re expecting light rain to start making its way in around midday Thursday. But don’t plan on it being a gentle drizzle all day; things are about to get a bit more exciting as we head into the evening!

What to Expect:

As the day progresses, you can expect those showers to get a bit heavier around sunset. Reports suggest we might see rain moving in with some gusto, peaking between sunset and midnight as a storm system approaches from the west. If you’re wondering how much rain to expect, you can think in terms of anywhere from 0.50 to 1.5 inches through Thursday night for most areas. Yes, even those dry patches you’ve been eyeing will finally get a chance to soak it all in!

Friday: Brace for Winds and Possible Flooding

Now, here’s where it might get a little wild! By early Friday morning, that storm system is set to intensify just offshore and then start tracking away from our beautiful coastline. But as the last raindrops clear out on Friday morning, the winds will be picking up significantly! You might want to hold onto your hats as we could see some strong gusts—up to 30 mph inland and possibly as high as 60 mph along the Outer Banks! So, tie down those lawn chairs and keep an eye on your outdoor decorations!

Flooding Warnings!

For all our friends living in coastal areas, prepare yourselves! There’s a chance of sound-side flooding along the Outer Banks, and in the southern Pamlico Sound and into the lower Neuse River basin. This is mainly due to those strong northerly winds coupled with high king tides. So, as those tides rise, particularly around Friday’s high tides at 7 AM and 7 PM, be super cautious. Ocean overwash is also a real concern, especially for those gorgeous beachfronts. Definitely keep your kiddos and pets a safe distance from the water during those times!

The Silver Lining: A Sunny Weekend Ahead!

But here’s some good news! As we move past this storm, a high-pressure system will sweep in over the weekend, bringing us back to drier, calmer conditions. You’ll want to take advantage of those seasonably mild temperatures. So, once we get through Friday’s gusty winds and showers, expect gorgeous weather that’ll make you want to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! Perfect for weekend plans, don’t you think?

Stay Prepared!

As always, it’s wise to stay tuned in for the latest updates on weather conditions, particularly if you live in coastal or prone flood areas. Make sure to keep an eye on local forecasts, and download any helpful weather apps that can send you alerts as the situation evolves. Let’s keep safety first and enjoy a cozy, rainy day, Eastern NC!