Strong storms possible across eastern North Carolina Sunday and Monday

Eastern North Carolina could see multiple rounds of storms through Monday, including the potential for severe weather with damaging winds, tornadoes and hail.

The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City says rain and thunderstorms will increase Sunday afternoon and evening as a warm front lifts north across the region. Some storms could become strong, with the greatest chance for severe weather near the Crystal Coast and Outer Banks.

The weather service expects a more significant threat on Monday as a strong cold front moves across the Carolinas. Multiple rounds of storms are possible throughout the day, with the greatest risk during the afternoon and evening.

Meteorologists say conditions Monday could support widespread severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and tornadoes.

Many ENC schools are closing or releasing early on Monday due to the severe weather threat.

A line of storms is expected to move west to east across eastern North Carolina Monday evening ahead of the cold front. Forecasters say isolated supercell thunderstorms may also develop ahead of the line earlier in the day.

The NWS has placed eastern North Carolina under an enhanced risk of severe weather Monday, indicating numerous severe storms are possible.

Outside of thunderstorms, strong winds are also expected ahead of the front. Inland areas could see the strongest non-thunderstorm winds between 2 and 7 p.m. Monday, while the coast and Outer Banks could experience peak winds between 6 p.m. and midnight.

Wind advisories have been issued for parts of the Outer Banks and Down East Carteret County. Hazardous marine conditions and high surf are also expected along the coast.

Behind the cold front, temperatures are forecast to drop sharply. Overnight lows could approach freezing across the Coastal Plain early Tuesday, with another round of colder air potentially bringing temperatures into the upper 20s inland Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Forecasters advise residents to monitor the latest weather updates and have multiple ways to receive warnings as the storms move through the area.