Tropical Storm — Eastern Hyde, North Carolina

2016-10-08 to 2016-10-09 · Eastern Hyde, North Carolina

Event narrative

Widespread heavy rain and strong winds developed over the region from mid morning on October 8th through the morning of October 9th. Rainfall was generally 4 to 8 inches over Ocracoke Island with the heavier amounts over the north portion. This heavy rain led to flooding of poor drainage areas. Peak wind gust of 66 mph was recorded at a meso net site at 418 am on October 9th with a low pressure of 988 mb. Storm surge inundation of 1 to 3 feet above ground occurred along both the ocean and sound side of the Island. Local inundation up to 4 feet above ground level occurred on the sound side during the morning of October 9th flooding some home and businesses.

Wider weather episode

Hurricane Matthew moved northeast offshore of the North Carolina coast late on October 8th through October 9th. Widespread heavy rain developed on October 8th and continued through early on October 9th as Matthew approached and moved offshore of the coast. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 4 inches on the southern beaches to 8 to 12 inches inland. This rain led to significant flash flooding over much of eastern North Carolina during the afternoon of October 8th through the morning of October 9th. Many roads were washed out and impassable for days from the serious flash flooding. Devastating river flooding then occurred several days after Matthew as most main-stem rivers exceeded major flood levels. Strong winds of 40 to 60 mph inland and 60 to 80 mph along the coast occurred as Matthew passed offshore mainly during the evening of October 8th through the morning of the 9th. These winds led to numerous downed trees and power lines across the region with widespread power outages that lasted several days in some areas. Storm surge inundation was mainly 1 to 3 feet above ground level along the coast, however inundation of 3 to 5 feet above ground level was observed on the sound side of the Outer Banks.

There were six confirmed fatalities across the area with five in Lenoir County and one in Pitt County. Dollar damages totals have not been completed but will likely exceed 200 million dollars with significant agricultural losses.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 663540. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.