Coastal emergency management officials are keeping a close watch on the system moving into Eastern Carolina.

Officials expect the main impacts to be coastal flooding, winds and marine issues tonight into Saturday along the Outer Banks and eastern Carteret County.

They say they are preparing for the possibility of mixed precipitation this afternoon for the Coastal Plain counties, then rain Friday night and Saturday, then the possibility of mixed precipiration Saturday afternoon through Saturday night.

According to the National Weather Service, the highest coastal flood threat is expected near east facing beaches along the Outer Banks tonight into early Saturday.

The NWS expects total water levels of near 6 ft (2 to 3 feet above normal tide) are expected during the high tide cycle Saturday morning. This is expected to lead to ocean overwash and moderate flooding north of Cape Hatteras. Prone Highway 12 locations especially near Mirlo Beach, Pea Island and Nags Head through Kitty Hawk may become impassable.

National Weather Service forecasters say east to northeast winds will also produce high water levels on the southwestern end of Pamlico sound, affecting Downeast Carteret County. Water levels around 2 ft above normal can be expected from Cedar Island to Merrimon. Water levels 1 to 2 feet above normal can be expected from Core Sound to Beaufort.

As the low departs winds will shift to the northwest to west. Soundside flooding will be possible as this occurs anywhere from Ocracoke north.

Water levels of 2 to 3 ft above normal will be possible.