RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) — Ian is closing in on North Carolina, with rain and wind increasing across the region.
17:00
Ian was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected in North Carolina.
2:15 p.m
Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 1 storm near Georgetown, South Carolina.
The National Weather Service said the storm will now begin to weaken rapidly as it pushes inland through South Carolina and North Carolina.
Ian’s rain will continue in North Carolina through Friday evening.
Ian is expected to become a post-tropical cyclone overnight and dissipate sometime Saturday.
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12:45 p.m
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for all of eastern North Carolina until 10 p.m.
A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornado formation. It doesn’t mean tornadoes are imminent.
The ABC11 Early Warning Weather Team said the chance of tornadoes during this particular storm is low but possible.
Ian’s forecast in North Carolina
Ian is expected to make landfall early Friday afternoon near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
However, almost all of the storm’s rain is north of its center. That’s why bands of rain arrived in North Carolina on Friday morning, and also why most of the rain will end by the end of the day.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect for most of central North Carolina. This means we will see a lot of rain and a lot of wind.
ABC11 Meteorologist Kweilyn Murphy said most of us can expect 2 to 6 inches of rain on Friday. Although isolated areas will see heavier downpours reaching more than 6 inches. Isolated flooding may occur in and around these areas.
In North Carolina, the storm’s strongest winds will pass closer to the South Carolina border. Areas around the Sandhills will certainly see sustained winds near 40 miles per hour. As the storm moves north and west, it (and its winds) will weaken.
Storm threats
For North Carolina, wind and rain will be the biggest factors with this storm system.
Wind gusts, which began to increase Thursday, will continue into Friday with some gusts up to 50 to 60 miles per hour
These high winds combined with saturated soil could cause trees to fall, endangering power lines. Power crews across the state are on high alert and ready to respond as quickly as possible, but some people are still likely to be without power for at least a little while.
If you lose power, you should contact your power company. Here is a list of numbers to call and other advice about power outages.
Widespread flooding and river flooding are not major threats. However, flash floods are a major concern. This is because some areas will experience periods of heavy downpours.
As with most storms, tornadoes are possible. However, in this case they are not likely.
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North Carolina prepares for Ian
On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Roy Cooper gave an update on state preparations.
Cooper urged North Carolina residents to pay close attention to the weather and take the necessary precautions as the remnants of Hurricane Ian approach the state.
“Hurricane Ian reminds us how unpredictable these storms can be, and North Carolinians should be prepared when it comes to our state,” Cooper said Thursday. “Heavy rainfall, up to seven inches in some areas, is likely to cause some flooding. Landslides are a threat in our mountains and there is a chance for tornadoes across the state. Flooding is likely coastal areas and strong winds as the storm moves through. This storm is still dangerous.”
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