Hurricane season is not over yet.

Eastern North Carolinians can expect to see some wet and windy weather over the weekend, as Tropical Cyclone 16 becomes Tropical Storm Nestor and makes its way northeast from the Gulf of Mexico to North Carolina.

“I think it’s a much-needed rain event, but the biggest threat is the possibility of some gale force winds. We’re not sure how that’s going to play out,” said Chris Newkirk, chief of fire/emergency management for Beaufort County Emergency Services.

Gale force winds are defined by the National Weather Services as between 39 and 54 mph.

Newkirk said National Weather Service meteorologists with the Newport/Morehead City office would have a better idea of what Beaufort County residents can expect from the tropical system by Friday evening.

“Probably by Saturday morning we’ll know rain fall totals and what the wind field looks like,” Newkirk said.

The good news is, it will likely be a fast-moving system, moving in Saturday evening and gone by Sunday afternoon.

“I think the early part of Saturday is probably is going to be nice. Through daylight hours Saturday, we’ll probably stay dry,” Newkirk said.

As gale force winds could be a part of the weekend weather, officials encourage property owners to bring inside or secure any loose items such as toys, patio furniture, grills and garbage cans.