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The National Weather Service out of Newport-Morehead City Office reports that a second March storm will move northeastward off the North Carolina coast on Monday (March 12).
Winds will increase through Monday morning, peaking Monday evening through mid-Tuesday morning. Wind direction will be from the northeast to north through Monday evening backing into the northwest by Tuesday morning. The peak of the coastal flooding will coincide with the strongest winds (Monday night).
Fortunately, the storm will be quick moving, and winds will begin diminishing by Tuesday afternoon.
Nevertheless, coastal impacts are currently expected for Monday along the Outer Banks, which includes the following:
- Minor coastal flooding: (primarily along the ocean side north of Cape Hatteras as well as sound side Downeast Carteret County in the vicinity of Cedar Island)
- Possible ocean overwash north of Cape Hatteras: (particularly in vulnerable areas that were affected by the last storm)
- Gale force north to northeast winds on the waters, and gusty north to northeast winds on the Outer Banks 40 to 45 mph
- Periods of moderate to occasional heavy rain Sunday night through Monday
The low pressure will develop just off the North Carolina coast on Monday and will move quickly through the area, unlike the first March storm which lingered for several days, creating heightened impacts.
