Isaias expected to make landfall Monday night as a hurricane

Published 3:50 pm Monday, August 3, 2020

By Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy

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A tropical storm warning and storm surge warning are in effect for the northern Outer Banks and Mainland Hyde County, as well as other parts of eastern North Carolina.

A tropical storm warning and storm surge watch are in effect for Hatteras Island, mainland Dare and Ocracoke Island and other portions of eastern North Carolina, reports the National Weather Service in Newport. A storm surge warning is in effect for the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, including the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers and Oregon Inlet to the North Carolina/Virginia border.

Tropical Storm Isaias will likely strengthen to hurricane force winds before making landfall between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach.

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The tropical storm is about 340 miles southwest of Morehead City. It is moving north at 13 miles per hour, an increase from this morning. Winds remain at 70 miles per hour. The storm is expected to move quickly through the state.

Gradual weakening is anticipated after the storm makes landfall.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 125 miles from the center and are predicted to arrive Monday night.

A storm surge warning is now in effect for rivers adjacent to the Pamlico Sound, including Pamlico, Pungo, Bay and Neuse. Sounds north of Oregon Inlet, including the soundside of Manteo through Kitty Hawk are included in the warning. The weather service predicts storm surge of two to four feet plus wave action above normally dry ground.

On northern Dare County beaches, the ocean surge is expected to be up to two feet, plus waves.

On soundside Hatteras Island, Ocracoke and Cedar Island, a surge up to two feet is predicted.

The National Weather Service reports the situation for the Outer Banks is favorable for tornadoes. The threatening time is when the tropical storm arrives.

Dangerous marine conditions are expected, with seas building to 15 to 20 feet creating treacherous conditions for mariners.

A High Surf Advisory has been issued for Tuesday from 4 a.m. until 2 p.m. Large breaking waves of seven to 10 feet in the surf zone on beaches north of Cape Hatteras are expected.

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