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NWS Newport/Morehead City, NC
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River Flooding Hazards

Click on Graphic to Move to Interactive Map to Obtain Detailed River Information

General Information

River flooding is a long term event and occurs when runoff from torrential rains reaches rivers. River floods can occur in just a few hours, or days after heavy rains fall upstream, and can last a week or longer. River flooding is broken into three categories:

Minor flooding is mostly limited to lowland flooding adjacent to the river. Minimal or no property damage is expected.

Moderate flooding expands away from the river. Some inundation of structures and roads can be expected. Some evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations may be necessary.

Major flooding is widespread and can occur a significant distance from actual rivers and streams. Extensive inundation of structures and roads can be expected. Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations is likely.

For additional information visit:
Flooding Safety Tips:
  • Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.
  • If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, etc.
  • Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown!
  • Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown! If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
  • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, particularly during threatening conditions.
  • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

This Outlook is an Experimental Product for Planning purposes Only!!!

The local hail hazard graphics are valid for roughly a 24 hour period from the time of issuance (between 4 AM and 6 AM) until 8 AM the following morning. The highest expected risk possible for the duration of the graphic will be depicted. Only one of the listed criteria needs to be met fo inclusion in a higher risk category

Updates will be posted for significant forecast changes and as time permits. As the weather threat increases throughout the day, or becomes imminent, tornado watches and/or warnings will be issued.

The outlook graphics are an effort to improve the interpretation of our outlooks and statements. This product is provided for emergency managers, law enforcement, schools, local media, businesses, and the public. Use the graphical hazardous weather outlook to factor the threat of hazardous weather into your daily plans.

DISCLAIMER: This is an experimental service designed to supplement pre-existing, official means of communication. Timeliness and reliability of products obtained from the Internet are not guaranteed.

Click here for a detailed product description.
Click here to complete a customer feedback survey for this experimental product.
Send e-mail with your comments and suggestions to John Cole.
This project is being developed in an effort to achieve goals set forth in the National Weather Service's Strategic Plan.

Updated 7/13/2004