Isaias speeding up, moving out of North Carolina after being downgraded to tropical storm

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Category 1 Hurricane Isaias made landfall at a Category One storm at Ocean Isle Beach in Brunswick County, North Carolina, at 11:10 p.m. Monday.

Isaias brought dangerous wind, heavy rain and storm surge to different areas from the coast all the way into central North Carolina.

The good news about the storm is that it is moving very quickly. As of 5 a.m., Isaias was traveling at 26 miles per hour, meaning the rain has already moved out of Robeson, Bladen, and Cumberland County.

The center of the storm was located near Rocky Mount at 5 a.m.

ABC11 Meteorologist Don “Big Weather” Schwenneker said he expects the rain from Isaias to be out of North Carolina by 8 a.m.

The heaviest rain recorded so far was around 5 inches in the Wilmington area. Isaias reportedly dropped between 2-3 inches around the Triangle.

LATEST FORECAST:

There was a Tornado Warning for Northampton County around 2:30 a.m., but it has since expired. The only watches and warnings that remain are for flooding. Click here to view the latest weather advisories.

WATCH: Ocean Isle mayor discusses Isaias’ landfall with ABC11

By 10:30 p.m., Isaias’ eyewall was over New Hanover and Brunswick counties.

PHOTOS: Hurricane Isaias brings winds, rain to the Carolinas

MORE COVERAGE FROM THE COAST AND THE TRIANGLE

Stay up-to-date with the latest information on the storm by downloading the ABC11 app

As of 4 a.m., there were more than 290,000 people in North Carolina without power.

TIMING
Scattered storms are possible all Monday afternoon, but the first main line from Isaias will enter the Sandhills area around 8-10 p.m. Monday.

Late Monday into early Tuesday, central and eastern North Carolina can expect heavy rain and flash flooding.

Isaias is now moving at 18 miles per hour, meaning the heaviest of the rain should be moving out of the state by 9 a.m. Tuesday.

When it’s all said and done, rain totals could be between 3 and 6 inches. Winds will likely be gusting from 30 to 70 mph. This means there’s a possibility for some power outages and isolated tornadoes–Isaias brings with it a 5% chance of tornadoes.

Power outages are likely. How widespread they are is yet to be determined. However, all of central North Carolina is at a moderate risk for power outages, with the Outer Banks at a high risk.

HOW NORTH CAROLINA IS PREPARING:

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In a news conference Monday afternoon, Gov. Roy Cooper urged North Carolinians to take the storm seriously and make plans for their families, including pets.

“If you are told to evacuate, the most important thing is to get out of the danger zone,” Cooper said.

Both Cooper and other officials asked North Carolinians to avoid driving Monday night into Tuesday morning, and to never drive through flooded roads.

Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry offered a number of resources for North Carolinians to check road and flood conditions in their area. “We need each of you to remain vigilant tonight,” Sprayberry said.

WATCH: Mike Sprayberry explains North Carolina’s final preparations for Tropical Storm Isaias

For now, Sprayberry said North Carolina has not had to ask other states for resources, but said they may need to ask neighboring governments for states in future storms.

Officials also encouraged people to evacuate to family or friends’ homes or hotels before opting to stay in a congregate shelter, because space will be limited. Sprayberry said the state has more than 2,000 available hotel rooms as a non-congregate sheltering option.

“North Carolinians have had to dig deep in recent months to tap into our strength and resilience during the pandemic,” Cooper said. “That hasn’t been easy. But with this storm on the way, we have to dig a little deeper. Let’s keep each other safe from the wind and water as well as from the virus.”

Monday afternoon, the Town of Wrightsville Beach issued a voluntary evacuation order for non-residents as the town declared a State of Emergency.

“We encourage all residents and visitors to be proactive and prepare for any potential impacts related to Hurricane Isaias,” town officials wrote in a news release.

President Donald Trump approved a disaster declaration for parts of North Carolina, primarily focused around the coast, and central NC counties including Wake, Durham, Johnston Orange and Cumberland counties.

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.

WATCH: Preparing your hurricane kit during COVID-19

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

SEE ALSO | Families enjoy summer weather along Wrightsville Beach as Isaias soon approaches

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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.

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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

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

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