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The National Weather Service out of Morehead City and Hyde County Emergency Services are forecasting severe weather for eastern North Carolina Thursday afternoon into Friday afternoon.
In addition to widespread heavy rain, the National Weather Service is watching the potential for stronger thunderstorms Thursday night, which would have the potential for strong winds or even tornados, especially along the coast.
The anticipated impacts for Hyde County are as follows:
Ocracoke:
- Gale force winds and dangerous seas affecting all coastal waters and the Pamlico Sound.
- Maximum wind gusts of 40+ mph.
- A total rainfall accumulation of 3.70 inches is expected but locally higher amounts of 4+ inches are possible. Minor to moderate flooding may occur.
- Given the heightened surf conditions and potential for beach erosion, it is possible the dunes along Highway 12 north of the pony pens, in the area of the wash over, will be compromised and the roadway could be impacted.
Mainland Hyde County:
- Large waves and dangerous seas affecting all coastal waters and the Pamlico Sound.
- Maximum wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph increasing geographically from northwest (Ponzer) to southeast (Engelhard).
- Isolated thunderstorms have the potential for strong winds or even a tornado.
- Total rainfall accumulations of 3 to 3.5 inches are expected but locally higher amounts of 4 plus inches are possible. Minor to moderate flooding may occur.
