While the central and western parts of North Carolina are about to get hit with another ice storm, the Outer Banks is just going to be dealing with a cold rain for the next couple of days that could cause flooding issues.
Following the strong storms that rolled through early Tuesday, eastern North Carolina had its first back-to-back days of sunshine in more than a week. Although there was a wild swing in temperatures between Tuesdays high near 70 and Wednesday when it barely got above 40.
The brief respite is about to give way to another strong storm system impacting the region for the rest of the work week, according to forecasters at the National Weather Services Newport/Morehead City office.
The weather services has issued a flash flood watch for all of eastern North Carolina from Thursday morning through Friday night.
A prolonged period of steady rainfall, along with a few thunderstorms with heavier downpours, will arrive along the Outer Banks around sunrise and continue through Friday night.
Rainfall amounts of two to three inches on top of already saturated ground will result in the possibility of flooding of poor drainage areas.
The biggest problems will likely be standing water at times at the usual spots, especially along N.C. 12 from Corolla to Ocracoke.
Further inland, a significant ice storm is forecast for areas along and north of I-85 and up the I-95 corridor into Virginia.
Power outages are common with as little as a quarter-inch of icing on trees and power lines. Duke Energy predicts their service territories in the Piedmont and foothills of the Carolinas could see up to a million power outages as a result of the storm, with some outages lasting several days.
Governor Roy Cooper issued an Executive Order in advance of the inclement weather, declaring a state of emergency and allowing for transportation waivers permitting utility companies to bring repair crews from out of state and get faster access to communities who have lost power.
The Governor also authorized the activation of 40 National Guard personnel to support fallen tree and debris removal.
