Newport, NC – The air hangs damp and mild along the Crystal Coast this morning — calm before a major early-week rainmaker. Meteorologists say a strong storm system will sweep across eastern North Carolina late Monday into Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and localized flooding risks for travelers returning from Thanksgiving.
According to the National Weather Service in Morehead City, showers will develop late Monday, becoming widespread and potentially heavy at times through early Tuesday. Rainfall totals between 1 and 2 inches are likely, with isolated higher amounts possible in low-lying or coastal areas. Thunderstorms could mix in, producing brief gusts near 30 mph, especially near Beaufort, Havelock, and along Highway 70.
Commuters should expect ponding on roads and slower travel Tuesday morning. Winds will shift northwest by afternoon, helping clear skies and ushering in cooler, drier air by midweek.
While this storm won’t bring snow, the quick shift from mild, wet conditions to crisp, sunny weather marks North Carolina’s first true December transition — a pattern meteorologists say could set up colder air intrusions later in the week.
Five-Day Outlook:
- Monday: Partly sunny, high 53°F.
- Monday Night: Rain developing, low 42°F.
- Tuesday: Heavy rain, gusty winds, high 66°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 52°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 58°F.
