Wind, Flooding Alert Issued for Coastal Rockingham County

The National Weather Service issued both coastal flood watch and high wind watch notices at just before 4 p.m. on April 6, 2016, for Rockingham County communities including Hampton and Portsmouth.

The alerts warn that the worst of the conditions will begin tomorrow afternoon and run through between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday, April 8.

Strong southerly winds, according to the alert, beginning on Thursday, are expected to pile up water onto New Hampshire beaches which will enhance waves and caused flooding around the time of high tide on Thursday morning. When combining with the high astronomical tides, it will create a potential for coastal flooding and splash over, according to the alert.

“Typically vulnerable areas in these situations include/but are not limited to Hampton, including the back bay areas where water may be held for a couple of tide cycles,” according to the alert.

The low-pressure system is expected to offer wind of between 20 to 30 mph with “frequent gusts” of up to 50 mph in Hampton and Portsmouth.

“Winds will increase Thursday afternoon with the highest gusts Thursday evening,” according to the alert. “(Expect) downed trees and power outages.”