Eastern North Carolina is threatened by developing coastal lows

FOX Weather has you covered with the latest weather forecasts and weather news headlines for your weather across America for Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Get the latest from FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin.

CAPE HATTERAS, NC – A cold front traveling across the country will help strengthen showers and thunderstorms across the Mid-Atlantic during the second half of the work week, but forecasters are watching for the development of a low-pressure area that could cause significant coastal influences.

Due to the threat of northerly winds gusting up to 55 mph and dangerous seas, the National Weather Service has issued a Storm Watch for much of coastal North Carolina that will be in effect from Thursday evening through at least Friday.

The expected rainfall amounts for cities like Raleigh and Greensboro are expected to be relatively modest, around an inch or two, but coastal communities could experience significantly more, which combined with higher seas could lead to flooding.

“Mariners should prepare to remain in port, alter course and/or secure the vessel in rough conditions before conditions worsen,” NWS meteorologists warned boaters in the Carolinas.

Gust forecast for Friday.

(FOX Weather)

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Based on projections, coastal flooding of 2-4 feet could affect the outer banks, leading to overwashing of Highway 12 and additional erosion problems.

So far this year, four unoccupied homes have collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, with more on the verge of doing the same.

During significant weather events, parts of the beaches around Rodanthe and Buxton are often closed due to hazardous waste.

Wildfires can dislodge pipes, wires and expose concrete, creating hazards for beachgoers and mariners.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation constantly monitors roads along the Outer Banks and occasionally closes the main thoroughfare when conditions warrant.

WATCH: HURRICANE ERNESTOS’ SWELL CAUSES NORTH CAROLINA HOUSES TO BREAK INTO THE SEA

Only slow improvements are expected over the weekend as the storm system generally moves eastward across the Atlantic.

Astronomical king tides are expected to keep water levels elevated for an extended period due to the full moon cycle.

Tides occur when the Moon’s gravitational forces cause extreme water levels and only occur during full moon or new moon cycles.

An area of ​​high pressure is expected to build over the region over the coming week, which will help bring calmer and clearer conditions.

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