- U.S.-based aid groups rush to get supplies into storm-battered Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
- Travelers stuck in Jamaica due to Hurricane Mellissa forced to pay for unwanted extended stay
- Raleigh police officer awaits word from family in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa devastation
- North Carolina’s leaders give insight on the effects of Hurricane Melissa
- ‘We want some answers;’ Whiteville residents demand city response to prevent flooding
Hurricane Larry expected to become Cat. 4 storm by Sunday
Hurricane Larry, currently way off in the Atlantic, is expected to become a major hurricane this weekend.
Late Friday night, Larry strengthened to major hurricane status, turning into a Category 3 storm with winds of 115 miles per hour. Larry was moving west/northwest at 16 miles per hour.
Larry could reach Category 4 strength by Sunday, according to WRAL meteorologist Zach Maloch.
Larry could impact portions of Bermuda by mid-week next week before it steers to the northeast, Maloch said.
Steering currents will help keep Larry offshore, but North Carolina’s coast could experience some rip currents or large ocean swells by next Thursday and Friday, Maloch said. Still, Larry is not likely to reach land.
“If you’re heading to the beaches and you see the red flags flying, stay out of the water,” said WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze.
Hurricane Larry is the fifth hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.