The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch and a high wind watch in advance of a storm forecast to begin affecting Lincoln County during the overnight hours of Sunday and continuing through Monday.
The highest winds, forecast at 25-35 mph and gusting to 55 mph, are expected to hit the area beginning late Sunday night and continuing through the morning hours of Monday. Forecast southeasterly winds should have particular impact on Lincoln County coastal areas and elevated locations inland. Power outages are a possibility. Many tree limbs are still retaining leaves, which will add surface area for the winds to affect, making these branches a hazard to any nearby wires.
A significant amount of rainfall, in the range of 1.5-3.5 inches, is also forecast with this storm, according to the weather service. Rainfall is forecast to affect Lincoln County beginning late Sunday night and continuing into Monday afternoon.
“Excessive rainfall could lead to localized flash flooding, along with a chance of small stream flooding,” according to the weather service. Flooding in some areas may be affected by wet leaves blocking drainage sources. Area residents may want to clear any drainage sources near their home or business in advance of the storm.
In addition to advisories from the weather service, the U.S. Coast Guard is urging all boaters and those living along coastal communities to secure their small craft and paddle craft, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, due to the expected high winds, heavy seas, and storm surge. If drifting and unmanned, these vessels could set off unnecessary searches and tie-up vital search and rescue resources.
