Hazardous Weather Outlook: Flooding and Tornado Risk in Eastern North Carolina

Photo byNational Weather Service

Severe Weather Expected Due to Tropical Storm Debby

The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, NC, has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for eastern North Carolina due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby. Residents should prepare for heavy rain, flooding, gusty winds, and the possibility of tornadoes.

Current Alerts

• Flood Watch: In effect through Friday evening.
• Tornado Watch: In effect until 8 AM EDT Thursday.

Weather Conditions and Potential Impacts

Tonight:

• Heavy Rain and Flooding: Tropical Storm Debby will bring heavy rain leading to potential flooding in low-lying, urban, and poor drainage areas.
• Gusty Winds: Expect strong winds that may cause tree damage and power outages.
• Tornado Risk: A few tornadoes are possible, which could produce locally significant damage.

Thursday through Tuesday:

• Continued Impact from Tropical Storm Debby: Heavy rain, flooding, gusty winds, and tornado risk will persist through Friday.

Areas Under Watch

The Hazardous Weather Outlook covers the following regions in eastern North Carolina:

• Washington
• Tyrrell
• Mainland Dare
• Duplin
• Jones
• Northern Craven
• Inland Onslow

Hurricane Local Statement

Tropical Storm Debby Overview:

• Location: 280 miles southwest of Buxton, NC, or 200 miles southwest of Morehead City, NC.
• Intensity: 60 mph winds, moving north-northwest at 3 mph.
• Impacts: Significant flooding, tornadoes, and strong winds expected as Debby makes landfall and moves inland.

Flooding Rain:

• Impact: Major rainfall flooding may prompt evacuations and rescues, cause rivers and tributaries to overflow, and lead to dangerous driving conditions.

Tornadoes:

• Impact: Scattered tornadoes may cause considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.

Storm Surge:

• Impact: Localized inundation, beach erosion, and dangerous rip currents along the coast.

Wind:

• Impact: Damage to structures, tree limbs broken off, and scattered power outages.

Precautionary and Preparedness Actions

Residents should take the following precautions:

• Evacuations: Follow the advice of local officials and evacuate if ordered.
• Emergency Plan: Check your emergency plan and supplies kit. Protect your family and secure your home or business.
• Flood Safety: If living in flood-prone areas, move to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
• Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates via NOAA Weather Radio, local news, and weather.gov.

Additional Information

For more information on preparations, visit ready.gov. For disaster preparedness, see redcross.org.

Next Update

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, NC, around 5 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.