Tropical Storm Isaias will bring flash floods, up to 60 mph winds to central North Carolina early Tuesday

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Isaias has weakened to a tropical storm as it approaches the eastern coast of Florida. The storm will affect the central part of North Carolina early Tuesday morning.

Bands of heavy rain from Isaias lashed Florida’s east coast Sunday while officials dealing with surging cases of the coronavirus kept a close watch on the weakened tropical storm.

As of 2 p.m., Isaias remained 55 miles southeast of Fort Pierce in Florida. The National Hurricane Center says the Florida east coast will see tropical storms conditions and dangerous storm surge through early Monday.

Wind speeds have been decreasing since Saturday night with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph with gusts increasing to 75 mph and is moving north-northwest at 8 mph. Isaias was downgraded from a hurricane to tropical storm 5 p.m. Saturday.

Tropical storm conditions will spread northward along Florida’s east coast. As of 2 p.m., NHC said dangerous storm surge is possible from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Cape Fear, North Carolina.

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A tropical storm watch is now in effect for North and South Carolina.

Governor Roy Cooper on Sunday reminded residents to put together an emergency kit, follow local evacuation orders, stay in a safe place and never drive through flooded roadways.

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He noted that flash flooding is expected, especially near the Neuse and Tar rivers.

Widespread power outages are also expected.

WATCH HIS NEWS CONFERENCE HERE

Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry said the Red Cross needs volunteers who can help with shelter reception, feeding, dormitory management, liaisons at hotels and other vital tasks. Those 18 years old and older can visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to help.

Due to the pandemic, if you do have to evacuate, officials say you should try to stay with family, friends or at a hotel to minimize contact with others. However, Sprayberry said both non-congregate and congregate shelters will be opened for evacuees who have nowhere to go but a shelter.

WATCH: 2 States of Emergency: NC Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry speaks with Good Morning America on preparing for Tropical Storm Isaias amid COVID-19

Gov. Cooper has authorized the activation of up to 150 members of the North Carolina National Guard to be used if needed in hurricane response and water rescue teams are prepared to respond if need be.

RELATED: Evacuations begin on NC coast as Governor Cooper activates National Guard

Meteorologist Steve Stewart says the system is very disorganized due to wind shear and dry air off of Florida. He says the storm is not likely to strengthen. It will either keep its strength due to the warm water or weaken.

The system’s path has been tracking farther and farther west, closer to the I-95. It’s predicted the Triangle will have an elevated risk of severe weather.

With its eventual turn to the north, Isaias is still expected to bring heavy rain and potential flash floods to low-lying areas across Florida and the Carolinas.

WHAT WE CAN EXPECT:

Late Monday into early Tuesday, our area can expect heavy rain and flash flooding.

Rain totals could be between 2 and 4 inches. Winds will likely be gusting from 35 to 55 mph. This means there’s a possibility for some power outages and isolated tornadoes east of the storm.

FULL STORY HERE: Gov. Roy Cooper declares state of emergency for NC ahead of Hurricane Isaias
As soon as the system makes its turn north, the ABC11 First Alert Team will be able to make a much better assessment of the specific impacts Isaias will have in your neighborhood.

Storm Ready 2020: Preparing in a Pandemic

On Friday, Cooper issued a state of emergency for the state of North Carolina ahead of Hurricane Isaias.

Stay with the ABC11 First Alert Weather team as they monitor this hurricane and any threats it may bring to North Carolina.

WATCH: Preparing your hurricane kit during COVID-19

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