First published Oct 16, 2026, 9:19:15 PM UTC · Last updated Oct 16, 2026, 9:19:15 PM UTC

High Wind Watch issued October 16 at 2:18PM EDT until October 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC

The National Weather Service issued a High Wind Watch for East Carteret County, the Northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island, and Hatteras Island from Saturday evening through late Sunday night. North winds of 25–35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are possible.

Why it matters

The alert says damaging winds, widespread power outages, and difficult travel are possible.

Categories: severe-weather-and-natural-disasters, travel-and-transportation

Generated scores

Scores are based on the cited reporting and use a 1–10 scale. Read the methodology.

Confidence: 7/10How certain the assessment is based on the clarity and evidence in the cited reporting.
Geographic reach: 3/10How widely the event reaches, from a local area (1) to worldwide impact (10).
Global importance: 2/10The event's broader significance, from limited importance (1) to major global importance (10).
Impact magnitude: 3/10The scale or severity of the real-world impact, from minor (1) to extreme (10).
Positivity: 2/10How harmful or beneficial the event is, from strongly harmful (1) to strongly positive (10).
Urgency: 4/10How time-sensitive the event is, from low urgency (1) to immediate attention needed (10).

Primary official sources

U.S. National Weather Service Alerts NWS High Wind Watch issued October 16 at 2:18PM EDT until October 19 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC

Report an issue

Read our editorial process and corrections policy.