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Level 2 risk for central NC brings threat of gusty winds, heavy rains, isolated tornadoes
The latest track for Tropical Storm Nicole sends the storm right across North Carolina this week.
Nicole’s track shifted west on Wednesday, and the state will be under a Level 2 risk for severe weather Friday, when heavy rain is expected in our area.
Breezy conditions and rain will be likely in the Triangle beginning Thursday night, with the bulk of the rain falling all day Friday. Saturday will be mostly dry.
The latest models forecast wind gusts of up to 40 mph in the Triangle and up to 2 inches of rain, which is not expected to cause flooding. Gusty winds, isolated tornadoes, power outages and downpours will be possible.
The Triangle area should expect to see sustained winds of 15-20 mph on Friday, with some gusts up to 35-40 mph Friday evening. Isolated and brief tornadoes are possible. Heavy rain is expected, as bands move through the Triangle.
Up to 2 inches of rain are in our forecast, but it’s not expected to cause flooding.
“This threat should begin early Friday morning and last through much of the day,” says WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell.
Power outages aren’t likely to be widespread, but they are possible during severe storms.
“The mountains are likely to see the heaviest rain from this system,” WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said, between 3 and 5 inches, and flash flooding and mudslides will be possible.
At 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Nicole was 270 miles east of Palm Beach, strengthening and approaching Florida’s coastline. Nicole could be hurricane strength before it makes landfall there late by Thursday morning.
The coastal forecast is similar to central N.C., with up to 2 inches of rain and isolated tornadoes possible.
WRAL meteorologist Peta Sheerwood said models are suggesting Nicole will move out quickly and earlier on Friday, clearing by midnight.
If Nicole makes landfall in Florida as a hurricane, it would be only the 4th ever recorded to hit the U.S. in the month of November.
Hurricane watches and tropical storm watches are already in place from Florida to South Carolina.
WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth explained N.C. will be impacted more by rain than by wind, although isolated tornadoes will be possible.
Hurricane season officially extends through Nov. 30, although storms like this are more likely in September and October. Only three hurricanes have made landfall in the United States in the month of November since 1851.