Strong winds and minor coastal flooding are possible along Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands today

By SamWalkerOBXNews.com

A fast-moving weather system moving across the Mid-Atlantic this evening is expected to bring strong winds and possible minor flooding along Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands through early Saturday.

There is also a chance of light rainfall across the region this evening, including a few patches of snow on the northern beaches.

And then a longer cold period is expected to prevail over the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning from 8 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday and a wind watch for areas south of Oregon Inlet from 8 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.

Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 45 mph are expected, with water levels of 1 in low-lying areas along the soundside areas of the islands, particularly in Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras up to 2 feet above the ground are possible Village and Ocracoke Village.

A few light showers are expected after sunset today, and with temperatures dipping near freezing, there could be a brief period where some snowflakes fall on the northern beaches and inland near the state line before ending at midnight. No accumulation of snow is expected locally.

Once the frontal system leaves the area, it will be dry and cold Saturday and into Sunday.

The next storm system to move through will give us a better chance of much-needed rain through Monday as moderate drought conditions continue across the Outer Banks and northeastern North Carolina. This will be followed by very cold conditions which are expected to persist until mid-month.

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