Press Release:
Good Afternoon Everyone,
There have been no major changes with today's Hurricane Erin forecast. Erin is expected to continue to expand in width over the next 24 to 36 hours. While recent model runs have shifted slightly closer to our state's coastline, Erin is still expected to pass offshore with the primary threats of significant storm surge / beach erosion and tropical storm force winds expected along our state's outer banks and crystal coast communities. Updates to Beaufort County's forecast have been
underlined below.
Winds
- North winds are forecasted to increase around 1pm Wednesday, becoming sustained between 10 and 15 mph, with frequent gust of 20 to 30mph through 5pm Thursday.
- Area's adjacent to our open waterways and along the eastern side of our county will have the greatest chance of experiencing wind gust greater than 25mph.
NWS Hourly Wind Graphic for Wednesday & Thursday
Wind Speed & Direction Graphic for 11am Thursday
Flooding / Storm Surge
- Water levels of 1 to 2 feet above normal are possible along our waterways between Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning, especially for areas that are vulnerable to sustained northly winds, such as Blounts, Durham, South, and Goose Creeks.
Rain
- As Erin continues to expand in size, rain bands will extend further inland. Passing showers are possible Wednesday afternoon through sunset Friday, with most area receiving less than 1/2". However, localized higher amounts are possible for the eastern portion of our county. (Belhaven, Pamlico Beach, Edward and Aurora.)
Rainfall Graphic for Wednesday & Thursday
Additional information can be found in the attached briefing and email below from the National Weather Service (NWS). Also, a recording of their 12:30pm update can be viewed using the following link.
https://youtu.be/RoxFkNtK_Ao
We encourage everyone to continue to monitor the forecast for Hurricane Erin, and we will continue to pass along any changes to our conditions as they occur.
As always, thank you all for what you do to keep Beaufort County informed, prepared and safe.
Chris Newkirk
Deputy Director
Beaufort County Emergency Services
1420 Highland Dr
Washington, NC 27889
Office: (252)940-6511
Cell: (252) 378-5352
Good afternoon,
Storm Surge Watches and Tropical Storm Watches have been converted to Storm Surge Warnings and Tropical Storm Warnings with this update. No big changes overall, with a slight uptick in waves and wind speeds, especially near the immediate coast.
We continue to emphasize that even though the center of Hurricane Erin is still forecast to remain well off the NC coast, IMPACTS will occur well away from the center. This will be an extremely large storm with impacts expected especially along our immediate coastline. The highest impacts in our area remain over the Outer Banks, where significant coastal flooding is likely due to large breaking waves and significant wave run up. Highway 12 on the Outer Banks may be impassable for several days. Tropical storm force wind gusts are likely over the Outer Banks, and immediate adjacent waters.
NWS_Morehead_City_Briefing_8_Hurricane_Erin.pdf
Regards,
NWS Newport/Morehead City
NOAA - National Weather Service
Newport/Morehead City, NC Weather Forecast Office
533 Roberts Rd
Newport, NC 28570
