News Summary
North Carolina is grappling with severe weather as a coastal storm brings heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding. The National Weather Service has issued multiple alerts, including flood watches and wind warnings, advising residents to prepare for dangerous conditions. Those in flood-prone areas are urged to secure their homes and evacuate if necessary. The storm’s impact is felt across North Carolina and Virginia, with recorded gusts near 60 mph and significant rainfall expected, raising the risk of flash flooding. Authorities emphasize driving safety and encourage vigilance among residents.
North Carolina Faces Hazardous Weather Conditions Due to Coastal Storm
North Carolina is currently experiencing severe weather conditions as a coastal storm brings heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding throughout the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple alerts including flood watches, coastal flood advisories, and wind warnings to inform residents and travelers about the ongoing risks.
Flood Watch and Weather Alerts
On Monday evening at 9:22 p.m., the NWS Raleigh NC announced an updated flood watch that is valid from 11 p.m. Monday until 2 a.m. Wednesday. This watch covers several counties, specifically Vance, Warren, Halifax, Franklin, Nash, Edgecombe, and Wilson. The agency warns residents that excessive rainfall and runoff may lead to flooding, urging them to stay alert to forecast updates and flood warnings issued by authorities.
Precautionary Measures for Residents
Authorities advise residents, especially those living in flood-prone or low-lying areas, to prepare for possible flooding by securing their homes and belongings. Immediate evacuation is recommended for such residents and campers in vulnerable zones. Homeowners should lock doors, disconnect utilities, and move valuables to higher ground if evacuation becomes necessary.
Pet owners and travelers should avoid basements or rooms containing submerged electrical outlets or cords, as floodwaters may pose electrical hazards such as sparks or electrical shocks. If caught in moving water, individuals are advised to seek higher ground and call 911 if safe to do so. Importantly, even shallow floodwaters, around 6 inches deep, can cause individuals to lose footing, making caution vital.
Driving and Water Safety Tips
The NWS emphasizes the extreme danger of driving through floodwaters. Just 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles. Drivers are urged to turn around and find alternative routes when encountering flooded roads. Moving water, especially during severe storms, can be unpredictable and hazardous, leading to accidents and stranded vehicles.
Storm Impact and Regional Conditions
The storm is affecting North Carolina and Virginia, generating heavy rain and powerful winds. In North Carolina, gusts near 60 mph have been recorded, causing local power outages across some areas. Waves exceeding 12 feet have been observed along the coast, particularly off Nags Head, which has reported large surf and high winds.
Additional advisories include Coastal Flood Advisories, Coastal Flood Watches, along with Wind Advisories and High Surf Warnings. The storm’s rainfall is projected to deliver between 2 to 5 inches of rain in certain areas, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding and disrupting daily activities.
Flood Threat Levels and Tornado Risk
The NWS has designated a Level 2 out of 4 flooding threat for Monday and a Level 1 out of 4 for Tuesday, indicating moderate risk of flooding. There is also an isolated tornado risk along the coast of North Carolina and Virginia, adding to the storm’s hazards.
If heavy rains fall rapidly, flash flooding can develop swiftly, especially in urban areas with poor drainage. Residents in these regions are urged to remain vigilant and heed official warnings.
Additional Forecast Details
In central North Carolina, a hazardous weather outlook has been issued, predicting continued rain with Raleigh expected to receive up to 1 inch of rain by 8 a.m. Tuesday. Eastern regions are anticipated to experience even higher rainfall totals. Flood watches and alerts extend to Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde, Northern Outer Banks, and surrounding areas until Tuesday at 5 p.m..
Safety Recommendations for Drivers
The NWS also highlights the danger of hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle uncontrollably slides on wet roads due to water buildup. Drivers are advised to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and avoid abrupt maneuvers to prevent accidents. Proper vehicle maintenance, such as ensuring tires are adequately inflated and tires have sufficient tread, can help reduce hydroplaning risks.
As North Carolina braces for ongoing severe weather, residents and travelers are encouraged to stay informed, exercise caution, and follow official guidance to ensure safety during this hazardous weather event.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Coastal Storm in North Carolina
- Wikipedia: North Carolina
- News Observer: Severe Weather Update
- Google Search: North Carolina weather
- WPDE: Hurricane Florence Impacts
- Google Scholar: Coastal storm North Carolina
- ABC11: Federal Disaster Aid Approved
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina weather
- Herald Sun: Weather News in North Carolina
- Google News: North Carolina flooding
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
