Hurricane Helene on track to bring record rainfall, flooding to parts of NC | Live Radar
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and isolated severe storms will be possible for Central NC late Thursday night and Friday as remnants of Hurricane Helene track north into the southern Appalachians.
A few afternoon showers and isolated storms are possible on Wednesday. Temperature highs will be in the mid-80s.
Rain from storms overnight Tuesday and Wednesday produced a lot of rain that led to several flood warnings. Many of them have expired. That said, many parts of the ABC11 coverage should prepare for possible flooding as Helene continues to churn towards Florida and then move north.
Person County School District is closed for students on Wednesday due to flooding and dangerous road conditions. According to the district, staff will report on a 2-hour delay.
Some saw and felt thunder and lightning overnight.
One of those bolts hit home on Infiniti Lane in Southeast Raleigh off Sunnybrook Road. When firefighters got there, they discovered the attic was on fire. All occupants fortunately got out safely.
WATCH | Lightning bolt sets house attic on fire in Raleigh
Wednesday morning a downed tree closed both lanes on Leesville Road near Ashcliff Lane in Durham. The road reopened after crews removed the tree.
Looking Ahead
Rain: Friday will be when the area will receive the biggest rain impacts. By then, Helene is expected to be a weakening tropical storm or depression. Tropical downpours may lead to locally heavy rain at times-likely 1 to 3 with an isolated 4" possible. So far this month, we've gotten 10.18" making it the 6th wettest September on record, and a couple of inches from Helene could surpass the current third place total of 11.92".
Wind: It'll turn breezy Thursday night. By Friday, wind gusts of 25 to 40mph will be possible, which may lead to power outages.
Tornado Risk: There is a level 1 risk for isolated tornadoes & damaging winds in the Sandhills Thursday night. This risk expands to all of Central NC on Friday.
THE WEEKEND: Saturday will be partly cloudy with a spotty shower. A few showers will be around Sunday with the upper-level energy nearby. Weekend highs will be in the low to mid-80s with lows in the 60s.
WATCH: The Weather Show talks about Hurricane Helene
Weather Safety Tips
Here are some useful resources:
You can use the Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network to track water levels near you and which areas may be impacted by flooding.
You can report a power outage at 57801, use the Duke Energy app or their website.
You can check for road closures due to the storm.
