Morehead City, NC – North Carolina faces a volatile start to the week, as spring thunderstorms with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are expected Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport, severe thunderstorms will develop across eastern North Carolina beginning late Monday afternoon and continue into early Tuesday. Areas including Carteret, Craven, Onslow, and Pitt counties face heightened risk. Winds may gust over 20 mph, with large hail and isolated tornadoes also possible. Travel along U.S. Route 70 and coastal roads could be hazardous overnight. Rainfall could exceed a quarter inch in intense cells.
The greatest threat window spans 2 p.m. to midnight Monday, with spotty thunderstorms building into more organized and widespread storms after sundown. Residents should secure loose items, charge devices, and monitor NOAA weather alerts. Stay indoors if lightning or warnings are issued.
Monday’s high will reach 74°F before storms hit. Overnight lows will dip to 58°F with continued thunderstorm activity. On Tuesday, skies will gradually clear, with a high near 69°F and reduced wind gusts.
Looking ahead into early April:
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 71°F
- Thursday: Partly sunny, warmer with a high near 78°F
- Friday: Continued warmth, highs in the mid-70s
- Saturday: Partly sunny and calm, high near 77°F
