Newport, NC – This weekend, residents and visitors along the North Carolina coast should prepare for a mix of severe weather, dangerous rip currents, and coastal flooding. The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City has issued alerts highlighting the various hazards expected through early next week.
Starting today, mostly sunny skies will dominate with highs reaching 85°F. However, the weather will begin to change significantly by Sunday as a severe weather system approaches the area. According to the National Weather Service, there is a high potential for severe thunderstorms on Sunday, particularly in the late afternoon and evening. The primary threats include damaging winds, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours that could lead to localized flooding.
Alongside the severe weather, Hurricane Ernesto, though far offshore, will influence coastal conditions, leading to a high threat of rip currents, ocean overwash, beach erosion, and coastal flooding from Sunday through early next week. The most dangerous conditions are expected on Sunday, coinciding with high tides. Residents are advised to avoid entering the water under red flag conditions due to the life-threatening rip currents.
The forecast continues into the workweek with a chance of rain on Monday, keeping temperatures in the mid-80s. However, conditions are expected to improve slightly by Tuesday, with sunny skies returning and temperatures cooling slightly into the low 80s by midweek. Coastal areas will need to remain vigilant, as higher-than-normal water levels and hazardous surf conditions could persist.
