Island Free Press: Severe weather possible Friday into Saturday

Severe weather is possible from Friday night into Saturday, with damaging winds and the potential for coastal flooding and an isolated tornado, per a Thursday evening briefing from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City Office.

Damaging wind gusts and the potential for isolated tornadoes are the primary threats in the weekend forecast. Thunderstorm wind gusts in excess of 60 mph could damage trees and power lines, resulting in scattered power outages.

Strong west winds up to 30 mph could result in coastal flooding, and especially for soundside areas along the Albemarle, Pamlico, Croatan, and Roanoke Sounds, and the adjacent tidal creeks from Kitty Hawk to Ocracoke.

A Gale Watch is in effect for the Pamlico Sound from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon due to forecasted southwest winds of 30 to 40 knots with gusts up to 45 knots, and the potential for extremely rough waters. Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions.

For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.

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