Newport, N.C. – Holiday travelers heading into Labor Day weekend in coastal North Carolina may run into stormy conditions by Saturday night. Rain and thunderstorms could disrupt travel on U.S. 70 and surrounding highways through early next week, with safety officials urging drivers to plan ahead.
According to the National Weather Service office in Morehead City, a slight chance of storms will build Saturday afternoon before stronger showers develop Sunday and linger into Tuesday. While rainfall amounts will remain light in most areas, brief downpours and isolated thunderstorms could create hazardous conditions on coastal roadways and delay holiday travel.
Saturday looks mostly sunny with highs in the mid-80s before storms approach after sunset. Sunday brings the greatest risk of showers and thunderstorms, particularly after 2 p.m., with highs near 81 degrees. Forecasters say another round of scattered storms could develop Sunday night, leaving roadways slick for late-night travelers.
Labor Day itself will start dry and partly sunny, but additional showers are possible by Tuesday, keeping conditions unsettled for the end of the long weekend. Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary driving during storms, monitor updates from the National Weather Service, and secure outdoor items ahead of potential downpours.
Despite the storm chances, not every day will be a washout, with periods of sunshine expected Saturday and Labor Day morning. The unsettled pattern is expected to persist into midweek, meaning more advisories could follow.
Five Day Forecast for Newport, NC
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 84. Showers possible late.
- Sunday: Showers and storms after 2 p.m., high 81.
- Labor Day Monday: Mostly sunny early, high 80.
- Tuesday: Showers and storms possible, high 80.
- Wednesday: Scattered storms, mostly cloudy, high 83.
