Tracking Helene: NC braces for heavy rain, flooding | Live Radar
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The rain continues as remnants of Hurricane Helene track north into the southern Appalachians.
A few afternoon showers are also possible earlier on Thursday for the ABC11 viewing area. Temperature highs will be in the upper 70s and low 80s.
Many parts of the ABC11 coverage should prepare for possible flooding as Helene continues to churn towards Florida and then move north. Overnight storms on Tuesday and Thursday produced a lot of rain, leading to several flood warnings.
Heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and isolated severe storms will be possible for Central NC late Thursday night and Friday. Rainfall total will be 1 to 2 inches with some areas experiencing more on Friday. Wind gusts could reach over 40 mph. There is also an isolated tornado risk.
A tropical storm warning was issued for parts of western North Carolina.
Cooper, alongside other community leaders, spoke at a news conference about storm preparation and updates.
Tracking Helene
Helene is churning north toward landfall over the Florida panhandle late Thursday. Forecasters have lowered its expected intensity of Helene. The storm may become a Category 3 hurricane when it makes landfall.
Helene will likely weaken as it moves inland, the National Hurricane Center said, as its "fast forward speed will allow strong, damaging winds, especially in gusts, to penetrate well inland across the southeastern United States," including the southern Appalachian Mountains.
There could be isolated tornadoes in southern Florida as the outer rain bands come onshore. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee forecast storm surges of up to 20 feet (6 meters). The office warned it could be "catastrophic and life-threatening" in Florida's Apalachee Bay. It added that high winds and heavy rains posed risks too.
There is also concern about enhanced rainfall totals in the upslope regions of the Ozark and southern Appalachian Mountains. Effects such as severe flooding, damaging winds, and power outages will be far-reaching across much of the Southeast.
Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach said Helene is forecast to be one of the largest storms in breadth in years to hit the region.
Weather Safety Tips, 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.
Here are some hacks to keep your phone charged during a power outage
You can report a power outage at 57801, use the Duke Energy app or their website.
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You can check for road closures due to the storm.
