Hurricane Zeta, approaching Gulf Coast, could bring severe weather to NC

Raleigh, N.C. — Parts of central North Carolina will be under a level 1 risk for severe weather on Thursday as the remnants from Zeta pass through the area. Temperatures will be warmer this week before tropical moisture and a chance for severe weather from Zeta approaches.

Highs will be in the mid to upper 70s on Wednesday with partly cloudy skies. By Wednesday afternoon, skies will become gray as remnants from Zeta approach North Carolina. There is a 30 percent chance we’ll see some showers start to move into the area by Wednesday night.

Zeta made landfall Tuesday along the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is expected to impact the northern Gulf Coast states as a Cat. 1 hurricane by late Wednesday. Landfall is possible anywhere from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle.

Remnants of the storm could then bring rain to North Carolina Thursday, although new models indicate central North Carolina may see more windy conditions than rain. Winds could reach as high as 45 mph, creating damage and possible tornadoes. Rain is also likely but areas north and west of the Triangle are likely to see more of it.

Up to 2 inches of rain are possible, especially northwest of the Triangle.

By Thursday night, the remnants will be moving northeast of the Triangle and a cold-front will sweep by on Friday, which will bring cooler weather for the holiday weekend. The low pressure is expected to be right behind the remnants of Zeta.

Highs for the weekend will be much cooler. Halloween will be chilly, with a high of 58 degrees in Raleigh.