A tight pressure gradient will be in place, due to strong high to the north, and tropics to the east, keeping NE winds elevated and the ocean unsettled through Wednesday. Expect gusts 20–30 mph inland and 35–45 mph OBX/Downeast Crystal Coast. The combination of long-period swell and onshore wind means dangerous rip currents, beach erosion, ocean overwash, and coastal flooding, especially Hatteras & Ocracoke (2–3 ft possible), with 1–2 ft Crystal Coast and northern OBX. Sound side water levels will also run high along the southern Pamlico Sound and the Neuse/Bay/Pamlico Rivers.

A few light showers hang on mainly south early today, but drier air wins out this afternoon and tonight, leading to a mostly dry mid to late week. Skies gradually brighten, humidity dips, and highs settle in the mid

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