Tropical Storm Gabrielle strengthened slightly today as the storm headed toward North Carolina’s Outer Banks, but its rain and winds were not expected to inflict much punishment as it slogged across the state’s famous chain of barrier islands.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle swirled towards North Carolina today, but its promised rain and high winds were not enough to scare residents and holidaymakers away from the beach.

Hurricane Ophelia weakened slightly and slowed to a crawl today along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, giving the fragile barrier islands a prolonged soaking even as it appeared the storm had not caused severe inland flooding.

WHITE horses abounded the outer harbour and some gusts reached forty knots during an exciting and sometimes tough final race of the Southmoor Properties March League at Kinsale Yacht Club.