Tropical Storm Arthur bringing heavy rains, crashing waves to NC coast

N.C. — The heaviest impacts from Tropical Storm Arthur are expected to hit North Carolina’s coast Monday morning.

At 4 a.m., Arthur was bringing heavy rain, winds and high waves to the coast. Large waves were already pounding the shore at Carolina Beach, but the worst impacts are expected around 5 or 6 a.m. as Arthur passes the coast.

The system will stay offshore, and it is not expected to impact the Triangle.

“The storm will impact the coast the worst from 5 a.m. (Monday) near Morehead City to roughly 6 p.m. near Nags Head,” said WRAL meteorologist Zach Maloch.

The latest track shows the storm is heading north northeast toward the North Carolina coast at 10 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds at 45 mph and gusts of 60 mph.

Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue Captain Tony Wallace said, despite coronavirus social distancing guidelines, officials made the decision to put a small number of lifeguards on the beach over the weekend.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for the North Carolina coast from Surf City to Duck, NC, Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. Storm surge is possible up to two feet high in these areas.

To check a full list of what counties are under a tropical storm warning, check here.

“The greatest wind threat will be for the Outer Banks due being in an area with a lot of water, which means very little friction can weaken wind gusts,” Maloch said.

The Outer Banks can expect one to four inches of rain.

Maloch said the Triangle should not be impacted by Arthur, but we will see impacts from the cold front that will cause Arthur to turn east and move back out to the Atlantic.

The Triangle could see rain Monday night that will last through much of the work week ahead,” he said.

This is the sixth year in a row a system formed earlier than hurricane season, which officially begins June 1.