Matthew still unlikely to make landfall
Published 12:45 pm Saturday, October 8, 2016
ISLE OF WIGHT
An updated weekend forecast from the National Weather Service’s Wakefield station shows Hurricane Matthew making landfall along the coast of South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina as early as Saturday morning, with tropical-storm-force winds and rain traveling upwards towards northeastern North Carolina and possibly Southeastern Virginia by Sunday morning.
As predicted in earlier reports, the bulk of the hurricane is still expected to head out to sea, but the expected rainfall for Isle of Wight and Southampton Counties has been revised upwards to between three and seven inches. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina can expect wind gusts in the 40-45 mile per hour range, creating the potential for downed trees and power lines.
Minor coastal flooding is expected throughout this weekend due to persistent onshore flow. As winds increase Saturday night into Sunday, some areas may experience moderate flooding.
Wave heights up to 14 feet will cause high surf and some beach erosion.