Hurricane Arthur Path Update 4th Of July: How To Prepare Holiday Plans Amid Storm [NOAA Forecast]

According to the National Hurricane Center report released early Thursday afternoon, Hurricane Arthur warnings are currently in effect from Surf City, North Carolina all the way to the North Carolina/Virginia border. Pamlico Sound and the Eastern Albemarle Sound are also under Hurricane Warning ahead of the 4th of July. According to NOAA, the ill-timed Hurricane Arthur is expected to move northbound in the days ahead. Residents of eastern New England and even Nova Scotia should keep a close eye on Hurricane Arthur over the 4th of July holiday weekend.

The NOAA reports that data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter Aircraft has collected data indicating maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. Forecasts suggests that Hurricane Arthur will strengthen in the next 24 hours to remain a strong 115 mile-wide Category 2 hurricane as it passes over North Carolina. Hurricane Arthur should weaken by Friday night and become a post-tropical cyclone by Saturday.

According to ABC 7 News affiliate WJLA, families in North Carolina's Outer Banks are preparing to leave the flood prone area before the long weekend. While some forecasters predict Hurricane Arthur to whip past North Carolina's Outer Banks before making landfall, Governor Pat McCrory warns North Carolina residents to vacation smart and to no "put your stupid hat on." In fact, North Carolina's Outer Banks residents that do not evacuate may risk several days of power outage without food or water.

Avoiding Hurricane Arthur will be a race against time, says National Hurricane Center forecaster Stacy Stewart. However, not only will families in North Carolina have to compete against the approaching storm, but they must account for the abnormally heavy traffic on the highways as well.

As for residents of the Northeast, ABC News reports heavy rains are expected to strike New York and Washington, D.C., overnight. Precipatation is expected to continue during the day, so beachgoers should cancel their plans. Thankfully, the skies should clear in time for fireworks. The annual Macy's 4th of July fireworks show will go on as scheduled along the East River.

Mercifully, NOAA reports sunny skies are expected for the rest of the weekend. Families looking to host a pleasant 4th of July BBQ are recommended to reschedule their outdoor plans until Saturday, July 5th.

Stay safe over the long weekend! Happy Independence Day to all!