A fast moving coastal storm is forecast to bring high winds to all of the Outer Banks starting tonight, along with the possibility of soundside flooding along lower Hatteras and Ocracoke island, and ocean overwash for northern Hatteras Island.
An area of low pressure will move eastward to the south of the area Tuesday night and strengthen well offshore Wednesday, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City.
A high wind warning begins at 11 p.m. Tuesday, coastal flood advisory starts at 2 a.m. Wednesday, and a high surf advisory will get underweay at 4 a.m.
Strong north-northeast winds will develop Tuesday night, peaking Wednesday morning and early afternoon, with wind gusts at times between 50 and 60 mph.
The wind forecast has led Dare County Schools to cancel Wednesday’s remote feeding sites:
With the strong onshore water level rises of 1 to 2 feet will be possible for areas adjacent to the Pamlico Sound from Buxton to Ocracoke, as well as Carteret and Pamlico counties.
High surf will develop along with the threat for overwash and minor erosion for the beaches north of Cape Hatteras. High tides will be around 2 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Offshore seas of 8 to 14 feet north of Ocracoke are expected on Wednesday, then slowly subsiding Wednesday night and Thursday.
For the Currituck Outer Banks, a coastal flood advisory in effect at 11 p.m. Tuesday, a wind advisory at 1 a.m. and a high surf advisory at 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Low pressure will intensity off the NC outer banks coast late tonight into tomorrow. Gusty winds, coastal flooding, and hazardous marine conditions expected late tonight through Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/c9YDbIqtpY
— NWS Wakefield (@NWSWakefieldVA) March 31, 2020
Widespread rain is also expected into Wednesday morning, with 1 to 2 inches possible across coastal areas of northeastern North Carolina. Locally heavy rainfall will be also be possible.
Once the storm clears, dry weather returns with cooler temperatures headed into the first weekend of April.
National Weather Service forecast for Nags Head, as of Tuesday 4 p.m.:
