Morehead City, N.C. – Strong thunderstorms could roll through eastern North Carolina Sunday evening, bringing the threat of damaging winds and hail to coastal areas including Morehead City, Beaufort, and Newport.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, isolated severe thunderstorms are possible between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Monday, primarily impacting counties such as Carteret, Craven, Onslow, and Pamlico. Winds may gust over 50 mph in some cells, with hail also a concern in stronger storms. Rainfall totals are expected to remain under a quarter-inch, except in areas with downpours.
Communities along U.S. Highway 70 and NC-24 should stay weather-aware tonight. Lightning and sudden wind shifts could impact late-night travel, especially near open coastal stretches. Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor items, keep phones charged, and avoid driving through flooded or storm-damaged areas.
This system marks the first severe weather risk of June for the Crystal Coast, following a stretch of quiet conditions. Sunshine and calmer weather are expected to return Monday.
No additional hazardous weather is forecast through Saturday, but tonight’s storms could prompt short-notice advisories.
