Beach erosion, ocean overwash, and numerous deadly rip currents are expected Wednesday and Thursday as a stalled storm system sits over North Carolina, producing winds and high surf along the Outer Banks the rest of the week.
A combination of weather systems over the eastern U.S. has created a strong onshore flow over the area, with sustained east to northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph and higher gusts.
While the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur have moved farther offshore, that system’s long-period swells and the strong easterly winds have combined to produce high surf along the beaches that will last into Memorial Day weekend.
N.C. 12 from Oregon Inlet to Buxton could see overwash around high tide through at least Friday. High tide at Oregon Inlet on Wednesday is at 7:08 a.m. and 7:47 p.m., and Thursday at 7:45 a.m. and 8:17 p.m.
A coastal flood advisory and high surf advisory are in effect for the Dare beaches through Thursday night.
There is also a high risk of rip currents, and everyone should stay out of the ocean due to the large shorebreak and frequent rip currents.
Moderate to heavy rainfall will be also impact much of the state through Saturday, with a major flooding threat setting up for the western third of North Carolina.
It's been quite a soaker the past few days, and we're still expecting more rain to come through Friday. Here's a look at total rainfall over the past 72 hours – for the full report, visit https://t.co/090qJgh1JF pic.twitter.com/jcHs1sgZ3r
— NWS Newport/Morehead (@NWSMoreheadCity) May 20, 2020
Forecasters say the storm system will finally clear the area by Sunday, and leave behind sunny conditions with near normal temperatures for Memorial Day.
