MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. – A powerful northeast wind is buffeting the North Carolina coast early Sunday, toppling branches, causing scattered power flickers, and churning up coastal waters from the Outer Banks to the Crystal Coast. The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City has extended its Wind Advisory through midday for several eastern counties, including Hyde, Pamlico, Southern Craven, and West Carteret, as well as through this afternoon for Mainland Dare and Tyrrell Counties.
According to the NWS Newport office, sustained northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph will continue through late morning near the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, gradually diminishing after noon. The strongest gusts are expected along exposed coastal areas such as Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, and Stumpy Point.
Forecasters warn that unsecured outdoor items may be blown about and that scattered tree limbs could bring brief power interruptions. Duke Energy and Tideland EMC reported isolated outages overnight, mainly in coastal and riverside communities. Drivers of tall vehicles should use caution on U.S. 70 and U.S. 264, where crosswinds may make travel difficult.
Mariners should avoid venturing into open waters until winds and seas subside later today, as gale-force gusts and 6–10 foot waves remain possible offshore.
Skies will begin clearing this afternoon as winds gradually ease, setting up a calmer and cooler start to the workweek.
