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The Beaufort County Office of Emergency Services issued an update Wednesday evening regarding severe storms forecast for Thursday.

“Our office continues to monitor the threat of severe weather for tomorrow,” the release reads. “The Storm Prediction Center has listed Beaufort County within the “Moderate” risk area, meaning that widespread severe storms are likely. Please do not discount this threat based on the term “Moderate.” The Storm Prediction Center considers this criteria to be a 4 out of 5 in severity, a ranking that North Carolina sees about once every 10 years. The greatest chance of experiencing severe storms is forecasted to occur between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. tomorrow for our county.”

Per the National Weather Service, all severe hazards remain possible — including damaging wind gusts, large hail in excess of 1 inch in diameter and tornadoes.

“Additionally, a strong cold front is forecast to push across the region on Friday bringing strong northerly winds,” the release continues. “This could lead to minor to moderate coastal flooding for portions of soundside Outer Banks and tidal tributaries, and ocean overwash across the Northern Outer Banks.”

The NWS will publish a new briefing Thursday morning before 7 a.m.