The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane warning for Beaufort County. Complete preparations today.

 

STORM INFORMATION: - About 480 miles south-southwest of Buxton NC or about 410 miles south-southwest of Morehead City - 29.2N 79.5W - Storm Intensity 105 mph - Movement North-northwest or 330 degrees at 8 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Dorian remains a dangerous hurricane and is expected to move across or just offshore of the area Thursday night into Friday night. There is still some uncertainty regarding the exact forecast track, but significant impacts are expected across Eastern North Carolina given that Dorian is a very large system which will bring impacts felt well away from the center. Potentially life threatening storm surge impacts are expected with Hurricane Dorian. Based on the current forecast, inundation of 4 to 7 feet above ground is possible oceanside from Surf City to Cape Lookout. Inundation of 3 to 5 feet above ground level is expected oceanside from Cape Lookout north to Duck. For the inland sounds and rivers including the Pamlico Sound, Albemarle Sound, Alligator River, Neuse River, Pamlico River and smaller tidal rivers, 3 to 5 feet above ground level of inundation is expected. The exact forecast for most locations remains highly track-dependent, with small changes in the track resulting in significant changes in surge values. Very high surf and large breaking waves will likely result in moderate to significant beach erosion and ocean overwash along the North Carolina coast Thursday and Friday. Overwash and sound side flooding will likely cause issues on Highway 12 on the Outer Banks Thursday night through Friday night. Vulnerable areas could experience erosion or overwash for multiple high tide cycles. Hurricane Dorian will produce very heavy rainfall across Eastern North Carolina, with widespread flash flooding possible. 5 to 10 inches of rainfall is expected across the area, with localized higher amounts most likely along and east of US Hwy 17. These heavy rainfall amounts in a relative short period of time will likely produce flash flooding across eastern North Carolina Thursday through Friday evening. Some minor to moderate river flooding will also be possible Friday and into the weekend, especially for smaller rivers and creeks east of the coastal plain. This too is track dependent and could shift. The strongest winds are expected late Thursday night into Friday evening. Tropical storm force winds could develop as early as Thursday, with winds peaking late Thursday night into Friday evening. Hurricane force winds are for much of the area, but are most likely along the coast. Strong winds will have the ability to knock down trees, damage weak structures, and cause widespread power outages. Isolated tornadoes are possible late Wednesday through Friday morning. Very dangerous marine conditions are expected with seas 15 to 25 feet and higher. A high threat of rip currents will continue for all area beaches and it is advised to stay out of the water.