Update Sunday morning May 17: Tropical Depression One is now Tropical Storm Arthur
From our news sources
A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect (May 17) for the Outer Banks and is expected to bring tropical storm force winds of 40 mph. and rain to the area beginning Sunday evening and into Monday. Dangerous rip currents are already being experienced along the beaches and will continue over the next several days. Ocean swimming is not recommended. Stay out of the water.
The National Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Watch at 5 p.m. Saturday for the North Carolina coast from north of Surf City to Duck, including Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds.
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
The system, named Tropical Depression One, at this point, is expected to move offshore, but parallel to, the coast of Florida tonight, and then move near or east of the coast of North Carolina by Monday.
The depression is expected to produce gusty winds and heavy rains with total rain accumulations of one to two inches over coastal North Carolina Sunday night and Monday.
According to the NHC, gradual strengthening of the system is forecast, and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm on Sunday. Hazardous marine conditions will spread northward during the next few days with a high risk for rip currents along the Outer Banks.
