GRAY — Hurricane Arthur made landfall at 11:15 p.m. Thursday between Cape Lookout and Beaufort, N. C., with 100 mph winds and the fringes of Arthur are expected to impact Maine this afternoon and tonight.

July 4 around the state is forecast be a damp and windy one, and the National Weather Service has a flash flood watch in effect from noon Friday through late Friday night.

A high surf advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. As the hurricane moves into the Canadian Maritimes late Friday and Saturday, the storm will generate high surf along the ocean beaches of Maine and New Hampshire. The long-period swell will also result in an increased risk of rip currents.

According to the NWS, 1 to 4 inches of rain will fall in the watch area, which includes interior Waldo and all of Knox and Lincoln counties in the Midcoast. Locally higher amounts are possible, as well as localized flash flooding in areas that have gotten heavy rain today and tomorrow.

This is especially true in hillier regions in the Midcoast, such as the Camden Hills, where 3 to 4 inches of rain will be possible.

"Embedded thunderstorms are likely," said the NWS.

The rain is expected to taper off and end after midnight Friday.

At ocean beaches in Maine and New Hampshire, surf heights will be 5-8 feet, with the highest surf occurring Saturday morning. Rip currents and high surf will make beaches hazardous.

The NWS cautions that breaking waves can be much larger than their heights in deep water, and that water from breaking waves can quickly rush up the beach. Rushing water can sweep people off their feet and dram them into the water.

People viewing the ocean from jetties, rock walls and other areas near the surf zone are especially at risk. Falling into the turbulence and sometimes rocky waters can result in injury that reduces the chance of survival.

Use caution and be safe this holiday weekend.

Related stories and links:

• National Weather Service

• Camden fireworks canceled; Searsport fireworks now Saturday

• Independence Day 2014: Events and activities, Searsport to Thomaston

• Thomaston Fourth of July events, celebrations

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.