It has been around six weeks since eastern North Carolina experienced significant rainfall, but that is about to change. Starting Thursday around midday, light rain is expected to move in, with heavier showers forecasted from sunset until midnight as a storm system approaches from the west. Rainfall amounts during this period are predicted to range between 0.50 to 1.5 inches in most areas.
By early Friday, the storm is anticipated to strengthen offshore as it moves away from the coast. As the last bits of light rain exit Friday morning, wind speeds will begin to pick up. Northerly winds could gust up to 30 mph inland, with peak gusts possibly reaching 60 mph along the Outer Banks.
There is a high likelihood of sound-side flooding along the Outer Banks, as well as in the southern Pamlico Sound and lower Neuse River basin. This flooding risk is due to the combination of strong north winds and higher-than-normal king tides. Coastal communities are advised to prepare for potential beach erosion and ocean overwash, particularly around high tides at 7 a.m. and again at 7 p.m. on Friday.
After this weather system passes, high pressure will settle in over the weekend, bringing drier and more mild conditions that are expected to last into early next week.
