Severe Weather and Heavy Rain Expected on Saturday: Coastal Flood Advisory for the Outer Banks

Residents along the Outer Banks are being warned of a potentially severe weather system, capable of bringing strong to severe thunderstorms, heavy rains, and sound-side coastal flooding this weekend. According to an update from the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office, strong westerly winds with gusts of 30-40 mph will lead to elevated water levels for the sound-side of the Outer Banks north of Ocracoke Inlet, starting Sunday night and lasting into Monday morning.

Probability of Thunderstorms and Possible Tornadoes

The weather system is expected to deliver heavy rain and thunderstorms, potentially with a brief tornado and damaging wind gusts Saturday afternoon and evening. The recent inundation of rainfall over the past week could cause minor flooding in areas with locally heavy rain. It’s worth mentioning that this event is classified as a low probability, moderate to high impact severe event, which suggests that there are a number of uncertainties with this weather system. The severity of the weather threat today is conditional, but if conditions align, severe thunderstorms and even isolated tornadoes may occur.

Coastal Flood Advisory Details

A Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued for Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands, effective from 2 p.m. this afternoon and running till 10 p.m. tonight. Residents in these areas and their neighboring locations are advised to closely monitor the developments related to this expected weather event.

How to get updated weather information

For more detailed information on the predicted forecast, residents can visit the local National Weather Service office’s online platforms. The National Weather Service office will frequently update their pages with the latest weather conditions, offering detailed information as the situation develops, to keep the locals well-informed and prepared.

Taking Precautionary Measures

Local officials have started taking steps to caution the public about the forthcoming weather conditions by issuing public advisories. Writing on their social media pages, they have urged residents and businesses to take necessary precautions. These could include securing loose objects in yards, patios, balconies, or terraces, which could be easily lifted or shifted by high winds.

Inundation of Rainfall over the Past Week

It’s important to remember that the Outer Banks areas have experienced significant rainfall over the past week. This saturation could potentially impact flooding levels, making them more severe compared to typical flood situations. The region has been grappling with inundation of rainfall, and it is expected that the forthcoming weather conditions will further exacerbate this situation.

Understanding the Potential Impacts

The expected weather conditions could lead to travel disruptions, potential power outages, and possible property damage. Residents are therefore advised to stay vigilant, monitor their local weather, and take necessary steps to stay safe. This includes avoiding traveling in severe weather conditions or being outdoors during the peak storm times.