RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- High pressure to the north and Ian approaching from the south, a tightened pressure gradient is likely to keep the area breezy throughout the day. Expect cloudy and cool conditions today. The day will be dry, before Ian's rain begins to make its approach on The Triangle in predawn hours of Friday.
The majority of the rain shield is likely to push up from the south Friday morning as Ian approaches the SC/GA coastline, where a second landfall is expected tomorrow afternoon. The heaviest rainfall is expected in the afternoon hours across the city. Areas farther south can see heavy rainfall at anytime on Friday. We are expecting the majority of the 3-5" of rain to fall across the area Friday, Friday night and into early Saturday morning. These time periods are also when we are worried about the greatest risk of flooding across the region. Because of the tropical nature of this rain, there is an increased risk of flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas as well as ponding on roadways.
The rain is expected to lessen in intensity on Saturday and Sunday becoming more showery in nature. Winds will be the strongest Friday and Friday night before also beginning to diminish in intensity through the weekend. Another short wave is expected to drop into the area from the Great Lakes late this weekend and early next week acting to string out Ian's energy and keeping the unsettled weather conditions in place until early week. As of right now we are calling for a dreary start to next week with more rain, showers and clouds. Rainfall may finally be nearing its end by Tuesday evening leaving the end of our forecast period dry. Cloudy conditions are expected to persist into midweek but could clear by late-week giving us a shot at some sunny days.
Have a great day!
Kweilyn Murphy
