Members,

Please note the following information from NC Emergency Management and properly prepare yourselves for the upcoming weather event. I know that, should hurricane Michael continue to follow the path it is on now, it will be a result in additional hardship for those that are still recovering from hurricane Florence. Please take every precaution and remain safe!  I am praying for you.  

Kathy Voss 
Dept. of North Carolina VFW Auxiliary
Americanism Chair
919-264-7839

Hurricane Michael continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico and the expected impacts to NC remain (rainfall totals across central NC and the probability of tropical storm force winds across eastern NC did slightly increase).
 
Heavy rain and potential flash flooding remains the greatest threat to NC, especially across central NC Thursday and Thursday night. NC will also experience impacts from minor-moderate river flooding, gusty winds, coastal flooding, and possible tornadoes. A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for areas south of Duck, including the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds.
 
Rainfall:
Scattered showers and storms will increase across the state on Wednesday and Wednesday night, with the greatest coverage across the southern Blue Ridge and far southeastern NC. The heaviest rain from Michael is expected Thursday and Thursday night, with rainfall totals of 4-7” expected across central NC and 2-4” across the remainder of the state. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the southern mountains beginning Wednesday afternoon, and a Flash Flood Watch is in effect for much of the remainder of the state beginning Thursday morning.
 
Many areas remain saturated from Hurricane Florence, so flooding conditions could develop faster than normal. Minor to moderate flooding is expected on main stem rivers, creeks, and streams – largely in central NC – beginning later Thursday and persisting into the weekend for downstream locations. 
 
Wind:
Gusty winds will begin to move into the state early Thursday morning. Sustained tropical storm force winds will likely move into portions of eastern NC from the southwest during the late morning and  afternoon hours. It will not take much wind to cause power outages across eastern NC due to the saturated ground and weakened trees from Hurricane Florence. Strong winds could also dislodge tarps over rooftop.
 
While the strongest winds will be on the east side of the storm, breezy winds and saturated soils could lead to downed trees and isolated power outages across central and western NC. Winds will taper off Friday morning as the storm races off to the northeast.
 
Storm Surge and Coastal Impacts:
Minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible as Michael moves through NC and off the coast by Friday. Storm surge is possible along the entire coast, especially beaches already weakened by Florence’s storm surge. Soundside flooding is also likely along the Outer Banks late Thursday and into early Friday.
 
With high winds, rough surf, increased rip current, and hazardous maritime conditions will increase by Wednesday and continue through the weekend. Surf height of 3-6’ is possible where life-threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone. Heed the advice of the lifeguards, beach patrol flags, and signs by not entering the water during hazardous conditions.
 
Tornadoes
As Michael moves through the region tornadoes will become a concern, mostly limited to Thursday and Thursday night across the eastern half of NC. Tornadoes in tropical systems are typically weak an short-lived, but often do not offer much warning time.