Severe weather could impact NC travel, beach trips Memorial Day weekend. What to know

Powerful storms could hit North Carolina over Memorial Day weekend, impacting travel and dampening beach vacations.

Severe weather is possible in the eastern part of the state on Friday, May 27, with higher risks further inland, forecasters said.

Near Wilmington, thunderstorm chances last throughout the day and into the night. About three-quarters of an inch of rain could fall, with the potential for more during storms, according to the National Weather Service.

Throughout much of the region, the biggest threat for storms is west of U.S. Highway 17.

“Damaging winds, large hail, & torrential rain capable of producing localized flooding are the main threats,” forecasters at the Newport/Morehead City weather service office wrote May 25 on Twitter. “This weather could impact travel for the beginning of the holiday weekend.”

Visitors to Pender and New Hanover counties also face dangers in the water, with a “moderate” rip current risk expected for Friday. An “elevated rip risk may continue Saturday, especially for south-facing beaches, before improving on Sunday,” according to forecasters.

To the north, parts of the Crystal Coast and the Outer Banks barrier islands are expected to get the biggest storm impacts on Friday afternoon and evening.

Beachgoers could see skies clear by late Saturday morning, with sunny conditions lasting into Monday.

The forecast comes as millions of people across the United States are expected to hit the road this holiday weekend, marking a start to what experts predict will be a busy summer travel season.

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