The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City has issued a flood watch for portions of eastern North Carolina, including Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Jones, Dare, Hyde, Onslow, Pamlico, Tyrrell and Washington counties from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning.

Four to seven inches of rainfall are possible for areas east of U.S. Highway 17 with isolated amounts expected to reach eight inches or higher. Heavy rain from Hurricane Sandy will result in widespread flooding Saturday afternoon through Sunday night. The threat will lessen as heavy rains taper off on Monday.

Those who live in flood zones should be prepared to take action, if necessary.