The National Weather Service this afternoon issued a tropical storm watch for the coastal waters from Ocracoke northward due to the winds from Hurricane Jose.
Jose is forecast to expand as it lifts north, passing about 200 miles east of Cape Hatteras later Monday.
While this track would keep the strongest winds and heaviest rains well offshore, the strongest winds are expected to develop Monday and continue through Monday night.
The main impact will be very rough surf and dangerous rip currents that will continue through at least Tuesday. The very large waves combine with gusty north winds could lead to beach erosion and possible ocean overwash later Monday through early Tuesday with areas north of Cape Hatteras having the best chance to see this.
According to NOAA, a Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical-storm conditions are possible within the specified area and a Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical-storm conditions are expected within a specified area.
