Call it a stormy Monday, but Tuesday will be just as bad.

Stormy seas off Ocracoke. Photo: P. Vankevich

By Peter Vankevich

The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City has issued a warning that a weather system in southeastern waters is expected to bring a variety of impacts to the Outer Banks and northeastern North Carolina, especially Monday and Tuesday, and could become the eighth tropical cyclone of 2024.

Forecasters say the latest disturbance (shown by X in the graphic below) has a 50% chance of becoming tropical. Whether or not this system becomes tropical, it has the potential to develop very quickly, with less lead time than usual.

Gusty ENE winds in the 20 mph range will begin late Sunday morning and rainfall beginning early Monday morning has the potential to bring 4 to 6 inches to Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands. This may cause flooding on NC 12 and minor coastal flooding that could impair travel on both islands.

This system will cause strong waves, dangerous rip currents and hazardous marine conditions.

The next tropical storm will be named Helene. Tropical Storm Gordon, named on Friday after a month of calm activity, does not currently pose a threat to land.