According to the National Weather Service in Newport-Morehead City, “A slow moving, wet cold front is forecast to move across Eastern NC today. Strong southerly winds ahead of the front will result in Gale Force Winds over the coastal waters and Sounds with gusts up to 50 mph possible along the immediate coast. An isolated damaging wind gust and a brief tornado will be possible in the strongest thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall with amounts in excess of 2 inches in spots will result in minor flooding of low lying areas. The strong winds will produce dangerous surf of 6-9 ft resulting in beach erosion and rip currents. Minor soundside flooding with inundation of 1-2 ft above ground will be possible in areas vulnerable to southerly flow.”