The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City has issued a Tropical Storm Watch from south of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse to north of Surf City, including the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds.

A high pressure ridge will move into the area from the northeast today as Hurricane Sandy moves north from the Bahamas tonight.

Sandy is expected to be off the North Carolina coast over the weekend before moving into the Northeast.

Northeast winds of 15-20 knots and a chance of showers are expected today with possible tropical storm conditions beginning Friday night.