From SamWalkerOBXNews.com

A coastal storm is likely to cause flooding along southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke and ocean flooding from Oregon Inlet to Buxton beginning early Friday morning.

“With strong northerly winds of up to 50-70 mph expected, vehicles should be moved to higher ground and items off the ground, better safe than wet,” said Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson.

Showers and even some thunderstorms that could become severe will precede a cold front moving through North Carolina this evening.

“Now that the tornado threat has been added, make sure government alerts are enabled for mobile devices and that you have multiple ways to receive tornado watches and warnings that may be issued by the National Weather Service,” Pearson said.

After the front has passed, a strong low-pressure system will develop just off the coast, which will have all kinds of consequences for the coast.

“Minor to moderate coastal and coastal flooding with flooding of 200 to 400 feet above ground level is expected late tonight and Friday,” the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City said.

“There is potential for a rapid rise in water levels for Ocracoke and the southern Hatteras Islands on Friday if strong northerly winds develop,” the weather bureau said.

Due to the threat of high winds, Dare County Schools will have a remote learning day for students and a regular work day for staff.

“Any staff member who feels unsafe to travel or is facing unique circumstances should contact their immediate supervisor immediately,” the school system said in a news release.

The following warnings were issued on Thursday evening:

• High Wind Warning, Friday from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m., Duck to Ocracoke, Roanoke Island.
• Wind Advisory, Friday 5am to 4pm, Dare Mainland, Hyde Mainland, Tyrrell County; Friday 4am to 4pm, Currituck mainland, Carova and Corolla.
• Coastal Flood Warning, 10 a.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday, Duck to Ocracoke; Friday 1pm to 1pm, Carova to Corolla.
• Coastal Flood Warning through 1am Friday, Carova to Corolla.
• High Surf Advisory, 10 a.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday, Duck to Ocracoke; Friday 6am to 3pm, Carova to Corolla.
• Gale Warning, Friday 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., coastal waters from Currituck Beach Light to Oregon Inlet, Pamlico, Croatan and Roanoke sounds; Friday 5am to 4pm, coastal waters from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke Inlet.
• Gale Warning, Friday 5 a.m. to 4 p.m., coastal waters from Currituck Beach Lighthouse to NC/VA border, Albemarle Sounds, Alligator and Pamlico rivers; Friday 1pm to 4pm, Currituck Sound.

A list of local Outer Banks resources for additional information is as follows: