Morehead City, N.C. – Warm, humid air is fueling afternoon thunderstorms across eastern North Carolina Saturday, creating travel and marine hazards from Greenville to the Outer Banks.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, scattered storms will develop through the afternoon with the highest chances near the coast. Storms could bring brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, and lightning, particularly around New Bern, Jacksonville, and the Crystal Coast.
Marine conditions are especially dangerous. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Sunday, with seas building 4 to 6 feet near Ocracoke and Hatteras Inlet. The Weather Service is also warning of moderate rip current risks from Duck to Cape Hatteras and lower risks from Cape Hatteras to North Topsail. Swimmers are urged to stay near lifeguard stands and avoid venturing into rough surf.
Inland drivers may also face slick roads during the heaviest downpours late Saturday. Residents are advised to monitor local updates as Hurricane Erin continues to influence regional weather patterns in the Atlantic.
More updates are expected through the weekend as storm chances linger and marine hazards persist.
