Future Imelda threatens beach erosion, ocean overwash, flooding on North Carolina coast, forecasters say

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WNCN) — Parts of the North Carolina coast should brace for beach erosion, ocean overwash, and flooding as Tropical Depression Nine — a future Imelda — is expected, forecasters say.

Despite recent eastward shifts of the future Imelda forecast, the National Weather Service said that large ocean swells — also from Hurricane Humberto — could trigger “multiple coastal hazards” in North Carolina.

“Expect an increased risk of rip currents and rough surf conditions starting late this weekend through the upcoming week,” the Wilmington weather service office said in a hazardous weather outlook.

For now, the outlook is focused on the Outer Banks and Carteret County. There is also concern for beaches and islands in New Hanover and Brunswick counties, the National Weather Service said.

“Beach erosion, ocean overwash, and coastal flooding concerns will be possible as early as Monday night, lasting into midweek,” the hazardous weather outlook said.

The cone for possible Imelda — now Tropical Depression Nine — has shifted significantly on Saturday to include just the fringes of the southern Outer Banks and the southeast North Carolina coast.

However, the National Hurricane Center said Imelda is forecast to become a hurricane “early next week off the southeastern U.S coast.”

A tropical storm watch was issued Saturday for a stretch of Florida beaches. The watch was issued from the Palm Beach/Martin County Line northward to the Flagler/Volusia County Line.

“Although it is still too early to specify the details of potential impacts along the remainder of the southeast U.S. coast, there remains a risk of heavy rainfall, storm surge, and wind impacts,” the National Hurricane Center said about a future Imelda.