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The National Weather Service is reporting that a coastal storm bringing gale force winds is expected to stall off the Mid-Atlantic coast over the weekend, bringing elevated to significant impacts along the Outer Banks.
Thursday will bring up to a half-inch of rain, but it is the winds that will increase beginning Thursday evening and will remain elevated until Sunday that could cause coastal flooding, tumultuous seas and significant erosion.
The N.C. Ferry Division, already plagued by multiple cancellations of the Swan Quarter and Cedar Island to Ocracoke runs due to low water and shoaling, indicated that this system could cause further disruptions to service that could include the Ocracoke Hatteras runs into Sunday.
Warnings suggest areas along Highway 12 in Dare County may become impassable, especially during periods of high tide. In addition, scattered power outages are possible.