Beaufort County Emergency Services is continuing to monitor Hurricane Idalia and its potential impact on our region.
This morning’s update from the National Weather Service (NWS) has shifted Idalia’s track slightly north and west while also providing us with more details as to the timing of our potential impacts. Here's the updated forecast.
Rain
- Scattered rain will begin to move into our area around 2 p.m. Wednesday with rain likely for all areas of our county by 8 p.m. A steady rain is expected to continue through 8 p.m. Thursday.
- Areas north of Hwy 264 and west of Hwy 17 to include the communities of Washington, Old Ford, Pinetown, and Pungo River are forecast to receive 2 to 3 inches of rain during this time.
- Areas south and east to include Chocowinity, Blounts Creek, Bath, Belhaven, Pamlico Beach and Aurora are currently forecast to receive 3 to 5 inches.
- Our heaviest rains are expected to occur during the overnight hours on Wednesday. These passing rain bands could be heavy at times, and capable of producing localized flash flooding. This will be especially true between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Thursday morning.
- Rain should begin to exit our area around 8 p.m. Thursday, with only scattered showers forecasted for Friday.
Winds
- Northeast winds will begin to increase after midnight Wednesday, becoming sustained between 15 and 20 mph by 8 a.m. Thursday with frequent gusts of 30 to 35 mph possible. These wind conditions will continue through noon as Idalia approaches our area.
- Northeast winds will elevate once again around 12 p.m. as Idalia begins to pass to our south, becoming sustained between 20 and 25 mph with frequent gusts of 30 to 40 mph. These wind conditions are expected to continue through 8 p.m. Thursday.
- North and Northeast winds are expected to remain sustained between 15 and 20 mph with frequent gusts of 20 to 25 mph through 8 p.m. Saturday.
Storm Surge
- 1 to 3 feet of storm surge is forecasted for all of Beaufort County’s waterways through late Saturday night.
- Areas that are vulnerable to long durations of North / Northeast winds should prepare for at least 3 feet of surge.
Severe Storms & Tornados
As with many tropical weather systems, passing rain bands can result in severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornados. While severe storms are possible for all of Beaufort County Wednesday and Thursday, areas south and east of Belhaven, Bath and Blounts Creek will be at a slightly greater risk than other portions of our county.
Access the most recent briefing from the National Weather Service's Newport/Morehead City Office.
