Beaufort County Emergency Services is continuing to monitor Hurricane Idalia and its anticipated impact on our region.
There were several changes to Tuesday afternoon’s forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) which included a slower track for Hurricane Idalia along North Carolina’s coastline. This timing change extended Beaufort County's forecasted time under inclement conditions, which has raised our expected rainfall totals and increased our storm surge values. These changes are noted below.
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.
- Almost all areas of Beaufort County are now forecast to receive 4 to 6 inches of rain during this time.
- Areas south and east of Pamlico Beach and Aurora are now forecast to receive 6 to 8 inches.
- Our heaviest rains are expected to occur between 2 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday. These passing rain bands could be heavy at times, and capable of producing localized flash flooding.
- Rain should begin to exit our area overnight Thursday, with only scattered showers forecasted for Friday.
Winds
- Northeast winds will begin to increase after 4 a.m. Thursday, becoming sustained between 15 and 20 mph with frequent gusts of 25 to 30 mph. These wind conditions will continue through 10 a.m. as Idalia approaches our area.
- Northeast winds will elevate once again around 10 a.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 4 a.m. Friday.
- North and Northeast winds are expected to remain sustained between 10 and 20 mph with frequent gusts of 20 to 25 mph through 6 p.m. Saturday.
Storm Surge
- A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for Beaufort County’s waterways. Our coastlines are now forecasted to receive 2 to 4 feet of storm surge from Thursday to late Saturday evening.
- Areas that are vulnerable to long durations of North / Northeast winds such as the western shoreline of the Pungo River and southern shoreline of the Pamlico River should prepare for at least 4 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.
View the latest briefing from the National Weather Service's Newport/Morehead City Office.
