Storm headed toward NC likely means flooding. Where to expect biggest impact
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- Coastal low tracking toward North Carolina will produce coastal flooding, heavy rain and strong winds.
- Parts of the Outer Banks could face up to 4 feet of inundation and 50-60 mph wind gusts.
- Coastal flood advisories and watches cover eastern N.C. counties.
A storm brewing in the Atlantic and tracking toward North Carolina will have an impact on the state’s coast, regardless of its exact path.
While not a named tropical cyclone, the coastal low could bring conditions similar to a tropical storm or hurricane, such as flooding, heavy rain and strong gusty winds.
It is expected to develop Friday, Oct. 10 over overnight near the coast of Florida and Georgia, then move north over or just east of the coast of the Carolinas, the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Newport/Morehead City said in a briefing Friday morning.
Its track will determine which parts of the state are affected, but regardless of the track, impacts are expected along the coast of North Carolina, the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Newport/Morehead City said.
NC coastal flooding impacts
One of the main hazards associated with the coastal low, strong north to northeast winds and king tides — which are higher-than-normal astronomical tides — is coastal flooding. It comes as at least nine Outer Banks homes have collapsed in recent weeks, a result of rapid beach erosion, sea level rise and storm surge.
Here’s what to expect for the Outer Banks:
- Through Saturday afternoon, Oct. 11: Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding is possible — anywhere from 1-3 feet of inundation above ground level.
- From Saturday night through Monday, Oct. 13: Winds are expected to shift to the north and northwest, leading to increased risk of soundside flooding, especially on Hatteras and Ocracoke. Ocean overwash may lead to road closures and flooding of vehicles, particularly on NC 12. Oceanside flooding is also possible.
A coastal flood watch is in effect for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. Up to 2-4 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.
For the southern coast and rivers:
- Through Saturday afternoon: Minor coastal flooding of up to 2 feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways is possible. That could flood roads, parking lots, parks, lawns and homes adjacent to the waterfront.
- Through 8 a.m. Monday: A coastal flood advisory is in effect for Carteret, coastal Onslow, Beaufort, Pamlico and southern Craven counties. Up to 1-2 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.
Excessive rain, rip current risks
A flood watch is in effect from late Friday night through Sunday morning, Oct. 12 for eastern Carteret County, the northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island, including the cities of Ocracoke, Manteo, Nags Head, Rodanthe, Buxton, Hatteras Village, Cedar Island, Avon, Beaufort, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Sea Level, Southern Shores, Frisco, Harkers Island and Duck.
Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying areas may occur due to excessive rainfall. Between 2 inches and more than 5 inches of rain could fall over these areas starting tonight and into Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service Morehead City office.
Wind gusts along the Outer Banks will be strongest Saturday afternoon into Sunday night, potentially reaching 50-60 mph.
There is a high risk of rip currents Friday along most eastern North Carolina beaches.
Impacts for central NC and the Triangle
In central North Carolina, areas along and east of I-95 will have the best chances for higher precipitation over the weekend, the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Raleigh said Friday, Oct. 10.
The Triangle could get between 0.25 inches and 0.5 inches of rain starting Saturday afternoon. Rain could continue into Monday morning.
Areas in the Coastal Plain will get slightly more rain, up to 1.5 inches.
Later Saturday into Sunday will likely be the breeziest times for the Triangle.
This story was originally published October 10, 2025 at 10:20 AM.
