Tropical Storm Claudette moves off Outer Banks; rip current risk continues along Hatteras, Ocracoke

The center of Tropical Storm Claudette has moved off the Outer Banks this morning, along with the bulk of the shower and thunderstorm activity associated with the system.

The National Weather Service has dropped all watches and warnings for eastern North Carolina. However, dangerous marine conditions and frequent rip currents will continue to be a concern through midweek.

A high risk of rip currents is posted today for the south-facing beaches from Cape Hatteras to Ocracoke Inlet, everyone should stay out of the ocean off Frisco, Hatteras village and Ocracoke.

A moderate risk is forecast from Oregon Inlet to Cape Hatteras, and only experienced surf swimmers with a flotation device should enter the ocean off Pea Island, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon and Buxton.

Small craft advisories are posted for the sounds and ocean through Tuesday.

Peak wind gusts from Claudette reported to the National Weather Service:

The weather will stay unsettled into midweek, as tropical moisture left behind by Claudette collides with a strong cold front crossing the region on Tuesday, producing more showers and thunderstorms.

Behind the front, below normal temperatures are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday before more summer-like conditions return for the weekend.

National Weather Service forecast for Nags Head, as of Monday 11 a.m.:

Tropical storm conditions possible. A chance of showers, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Southwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 3pm. High near 84. Breezy, with a southwest wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night

Showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11pm and midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Low around 66. West wind 13 to 17 mph becoming north in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. North wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday Night

A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

A chance of showers after 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night

A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night

A chance of thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 30%.