Morehead City, NC – Strong storms Monday could bring tornadoes and damaging winds across eastern North Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, the main threats with Monday’s storms will be damaging winds and tornadoes, with hail possible in the strongest storms.
Forecast graphics released Sunday afternoon show a 10–15% chance of tornadoes west of U.S. Highway 17, with 10–15% probability across the rest of the region. The weather service also noted that a few strong tornadoes (EF2+) are possible, though probabilities represent the chance of a tornado occurring within 25 miles of a location.
Damaging wind risk may be even higher. Forecasters estimate a 45–60% chance of damaging winds along and west of Highway 17 and a 30–45% chance across the remainder of eastern North Carolina. Peak wind gusts could exceed 75 mph in the strongest storms.
The most likely window for tornado activity is early Monday afternoon through early evening, roughly 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to the weather service. However, the threat for severe storms and damaging winds could continue later into the night, with impacts possible into the overnight hours between about 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Tuesday.
Forecasters emphasize that storms could also occur outside the most likely time windows, and residents should monitor updates as conditions develop.
The timing may affect Monday afternoon commuters and students traveling home, especially if severe storms develop during peak travel hours.
Residents are encouraged to review severe weather safety plans and stay alert for watches or warnings Monday.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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