Morehead City, N.C. – Expect strong storms, dangerous rip currents, and a taste of summer heat as eastern North Carolina heads into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport, scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are expected Friday, especially between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with potential for damaging winds and hail. This follows a moderate rip current risk already in effect from 8 a.m. to Thursday evening, impacting the Crystal Coast, including Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, and the Outer Banks.
Friday’s high will reach 82°F in areas like Newport, Havelock, and Morehead City, with southwest winds gusting up to 18 mph during the storm window. Travel could be impacted along U.S. Route 70 and NC-12, especially where heavy rainfall or ponding occurs. Locals should avoid ocean swimming and delay non-essential road travel during peak storm hours.
By Saturday, skies will begin to clear with highs in the low 80s. Sunday looks sunny and dry, setting the stage for a summer-like start to June, with Monday and Tuesday climbing into the mid-80s under mostly sunny skies.
Five-Day Forecast:
- Friday: Thunderstorms likely (70%), high 82°F
- Saturday: Slight chance of showers early, then clearing, high 81°F
- Sunday: Sunny, high 82°F
- Monday: 30% chance of p.m. showers, high 82°F
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, summer-like high near 84°F
