The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch for the Outer Banks after Claudette formed this morning over coastal Louisiana, and the latest track has it moving over eastern North Carolina late Sunday into Monday.
The remnants could reform and restrengthen as the circulation moves off the North Carolina coast late Sunday into early Monday, and the tropical storm watch has been issued from Duck to Ocracoke and inland sections of eastern North Carolina.
In terms of impacts to the area, the greatest threats will be heavy rain with the potential for flash flooding, isolated tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, and minor coastal flooding.
According to forecasters at the Newport/Morehead City office of the National Weather Service, many of these details remain vague as much uncertainty remains on the exact track and strength of the system.
“(There is) significant forecast uncertainty at this time so please keep an eye on updates,” said Dare County Emergency Management director Drew Pearson.
Tropical Storm WATCHES for Eastern North Carolina Through Monday.
Impacts: severe weather (including tornadoes), windy weather and heavy rain Sunday afternoon into Monday. Coastal flooding is possible late Sun night into Mon.
More: https://t.co/lWxSJZhbGs #claudette pic.twitter.com/HvRE1gGxDk— NWS Newport/Morehead (@NWSMoreheadCity) June 19, 2021
The latest local forecast calls for peak winds of 15-25 mph with gusts up to 35, with potential for winds of 39 to 57 mph. A localized storm surge is also possible, with sound side storm surge of 1-3 feet possible from early Monday to Monday afternoon.
