NC coast braces for 11 ft waves, tropical storm-force winds, flooding, torrential rain amid tropical system risk

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — As a low pressure lurks off the North Carolina coast with a tropical cyclone possible , a new tropical storm warning was issued Sunday along with earlier advisories for many beaches, the National Weather Service says.

A coastal flood advisory, high surf advisory and a high rip current risk are among the concerns for areas south of Wilmington and north including the Outer Banks, according to the Wilmington office of the National Weather Service.

Sunday at 5 p.m., the National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for all North Carolina areas south of Hatteras Island for Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight — which is the name (for now) of the system.

Forecasters are warning that in addition to the risk of a half-foot of rain, large breaking waves up to 10 feet are expected after 2 p.m. Sunday until Tuesday morning in Pender, New Hanover, Carteret and Onslow counties.

Also, forecasters said Saturday that even if a system does not form, “the risk of impacts to eastern North Carolina is increasing regardless.”

At the Outer Banks, a high surf advisory and a coastal flood advisory start Sunday with the threat until Tuesday and Monday, respectively. “Large breaking waves” up to 11 feet are possible along with up to 2 feet of flooding on Hatteras Island, the National Weather Service said.

“Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected,” weather service forecasters said, adding that N.C. 12 could be closed by ocean overwash.

In Beaufort, Pamlico and southern Craven counties, a coastal flood advisory starts Sunday and lasts until 9 p.m. Monday with up to 2 feet of flooding above ground level.

Carteret and Onslow counties are under a coastal flood advisory from 2 p.m. Sunday until 9 p.m. Monday.

Nearly the entire North Carolina coast has a high risk of rip currents from Sunday until Tuesday.

A gale warning was issued off the North Carolina coast for the next few days with forecasters warning that waves may be “more than twice the significant wave height.”

Closer to the North Carolina shoreline, a gale watch with waves up to 11 feet is in effect starting Sunday through Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.

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