Flood warnings extended

The coastal flood warning for Craven, Carteret and Pamlico counties has been extended to noon on Saturday.

The combination of Hurricane Noel and an approaching cold front is expected to produce high winds that will increase water levels in the Neuse River, according to the weather service.

The weather service also issued a wind advisory for the area until 6 a.m. Saturday.

Noel is expected to remain well off the coast of North Carolina, but the weather service predicts winds up to 45 mph along the water and up to 35 mph over inland areas.

Those high winds from the north and northeast will push water up the Neuse River, creating some flooding in the Adams Creek, Club Foot Creek, Back Creek and South River areas, according to the weather service. Down East Carteret County will also likely see flooding with the potential for water to flow over N.C. 12 to Cedar Island.

The weather service predicts water levels to be 4 to 6 feet above normal, with the most severe flooding expected tonight during high tide.

Along the coast, waves of 10 to 12 feet could produce moderate beach erosion, according to the weather service.

Despite the rough conditions, the weather service is calling for just a slight chance of rain through the day, with clearing, cooler and breezy conditions for the weekend.