Newport, NC – North Carolina residents and visitors should prepare for a potentially stormy weekend along the coast, with severe weather and dangerous rip currents expected. The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City has issued a warning for isolated showers and storms on Saturday, with a higher likelihood of severe storms by Sunday afternoon and evening. These storms could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possibly localized flooding.
According to the NWS, life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zones of several coastal areas on Saturday, including popular destinations like Cape Lookout National Seashore, Atlantic Beach, and Emerald Isle. Beaches along the Outer Banks, from Duck to Frisco, are also at high risk. The agency urges beachgoers to exercise extreme caution and avoid swimming in these dangerous conditions.
Looking ahead, the forecast for the rest of the week shows a gradual return to more stable weather. Monday through Thursday are expected to be mostly sunny with temperatures ranging from the low to mid-80s. However, the storm system associated with Tropical Storm Ernesto, though well off the coast, will continue to impact the region through the weekend, maintaining the threat of rip currents even as the weather clears up.
