* WHAT. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE. Much of central North Carolina, including most of the Piedmont, the Yadkin Valley, the Sandhills, the southern Coastal Plain along with the Triad and Triangle areas. * WHEN. From 6 PM EDT this evening through Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - Given recent wet conditions, the ground is saturated and streamflows are significantly above normal. Much of central NC is susceptible to Flash Flooding with significant rain or periods of heavy rain. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* WHAT. East winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE. Portions of north central and northwest North Carolina, central, south central, southwest, and west central Virginia, and southeast West Virginia. * WHEN. Until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* WHAT. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE. Portions of North Carolina, including the following areas, Alleghany NC, Ashe, Caswell, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin, Virginia, including the following areas, Alleghany VA, Amherst, Appomattox, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Buckingham, Campbell, Carroll, Charlotte, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Halifax, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Smyth, Tazewell and Wythe, and southeast West Virginia, including the following areas, Eastern Greenbrier, Mercer, Monroe, Summers and Western Greenbrier. * WHEN. Through this evening. * IMPACTS. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - An additional 4 to 6 inches, and locally higher amounts, of rain will fall on already saturated soils. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* WHAT. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE. Much of central North Carolina, including most of the Piedmont, the Yadkin Valley, the Sandhills, the southern Coastal Plain along with the Triad and Triangle areas. * WHEN. Through Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - Given recent wet conditions, the ground is saturated and streamflows are significantly above normal. Much of central NC is susceptible to flash flooding with significant rain or periods of heavy rain. After somewhat of a lull overnight, the heaviest and most widespread rain will fall on Friday morning and early afternoon. Total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected on average. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

HLSGSP This product covers the western Carolinas and NE Georgia **HELENE TO BRING SIGNIFICANT FLASH FLOODING AND POSSIBLE HURRICANE FORCE WIND GUSTS TO THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Abbeville, Anderson, Avery, Buncombe, Burke Mountains, Caldwell Mountains, Catawba, Central Greenville, Cherokee, Chester, Cleveland, Eastern McDowell, Eastern Polk, Elbert, Franklin, Gaston, Graham, Greater Burke, Greater Caldwell, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Greater Rutherford, Greenville Mountains, Greenwood, Habersham, Hart, Haywood, Henderson, Laurens, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell Mountains, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Northern Jackson, Northern Spartanburg, Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, Polk Mountains, Rabun, Rutherford Mountains, Southern Greenville, Southern Jackson, Southern Spartanburg, Stephens, Swain, Transylvania, Union NC, Union SC, Yancey, and York * STORM INFORMATION: - About 450 miles south-southwest of Greenville/Spartanburg SC or about 490 miles south-southwest of Asheville NC - 28.7N 84.3W - Storm Intensity 130 mph - Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 23 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall over the Florida Panhandle just before midnight and move quickly north through Georgia. Significant, potentially catastrophic flash flooding and major to record mainstem river flooding is expected over portions of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia this evening into early afternoon Friday, especially along the Blue Ridge escarpment. Wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph with up to 80 mph across the higher ridge tops will be associated with Helene as the center of the storm tracks just west of the County Warning Area tonight into Friday morning. The combination of saturated soils and strong wind gusts will result in widespread downed trees, leading to numerous power outages. Numerous landslides will occur across the mountains, with large, damaging debris flows or slope failures likely. Several brief tornadoes are also possible, mainly across the Piedmont. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible devastating impacts across the North Carolina mountains, northeast Georgia, and Upstate South Carolina. Potential impacts include: - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across the western North Carolina mountains and northeast Georgia and the western Upstate South Carolina. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the remainder of the western Carolinas. * TORNADOES: Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across the eastern South Carolina Piedmont and the North Carolina Piedmont. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the rest of the Piedmont and Foothills of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area. It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown! If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg SC around 5 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Gastonia * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 60 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: The sustained wind should remain less than tropical storm force. Conditions may still be gusty. - PREPARE: Listen for any instructions from local officials. - ACT: Ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change. - REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed - Little to no additional wind impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual wind impacts accordingly. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. - PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plans should still include the potential for several tornadoes. - PREPARE: Keep informed should additional weather alerts be needed. - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - https://readync.org

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Charlotte - Huntersville - Matthews * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 60 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: The sustained wind should remain less than tropical storm force. Conditions may still be gusty. - PREPARE: Listen for any instructions from local officials. - ACT: Ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change. - REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed - Little to no additional wind impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual wind impacts accordingly. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 1-3 inches, with locally higher amounts - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. - PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plans should still include the potential for several tornadoes. - PREPARE: Keep informed should additional weather alerts be needed. - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - https://readync.org

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Rock Hill - Fort Mill * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 60 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: The sustained wind should remain less than tropical storm force. Conditions may still be gusty. - PREPARE: Listen for any instructions from local officials. - ACT: Ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change. - REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed - Little to no additional wind impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual wind impacts accordingly. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 1-3 inches, with locally higher amounts - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. - PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plans should still include the potential for several tornadoes. - PREPARE: Keep informed should additional weather alerts be needed. - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://scemd.org/planandprepare

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Hickory - Newton * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 60 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: The sustained wind should remain less than tropical storm force. Conditions may still be gusty. - PREPARE: Listen for any instructions from local officials. - ACT: Ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change. - REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed - Little to no additional wind impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual wind impacts accordingly. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. - PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme and widespread rainfall flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plans should still include the potential for several tornadoes. - PREPARE: Keep informed should additional weather alerts be needed. - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - https://readync.org

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Monroe * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 60 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: The sustained wind should remain less than tropical storm force. Conditions may still be gusty. - PREPARE: Listen for any instructions from local officials. - ACT: Ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change. - REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed - Little to no additional wind impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual wind impacts accordingly. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. - PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive - Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tornado Watch is in effect - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plans should still include the potential for several tornadoes. - PREPARE: Keep informed should additional weather alerts be needed. - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - https://readync.org

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Lincolnton * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 65 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: The sustained wind should remain less than tropical storm force. Conditions may still be gusty. - PREPARE: Listen for any instructions from local officials. - ACT: Ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change. - REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed - Little to no additional wind impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual wind impacts accordingly. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. - PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme and widespread rainfall flooding. - ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is favorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several tornadoes - The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plans should still include the potential for several tornadoes. - PREPARE: Keep informed should additional weather alerts be needed. - ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - https://readync.org

* WHAT. East winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE. Alexander, Cabarrus, Davie, Iredell, and Rowan Counties. * WHEN. Until 2 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* WHAT. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE. Portions of northeast Georgia, including the following areas, Elbert and Hart, North Carolina, including the following areas, Alexander, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Davie, Eastern McDowell, Eastern Polk, Gaston, Greater Burke, Greater Caldwell, Greater Rutherford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union NC, and upstate South Carolina, including the following areas, Abbeville, Anderson, Central Greenville, Cherokee, Chester, Greenwood, Laurens, Northern Spartanburg, Southern Greenville, Southern Spartanburg, Union SC and York. * WHEN. Through Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - Multiple rounds of heavy rainfall are expected due to the interaction of tropical moisture along a stationary front, followed by the passage of Tropical Storm Helene. Additional rainfall of 3 to 6 inches is expected across the Piedmont and foothills. This has the potential to be an extremely rare event with significant and damaging flash-flooding along numerous streams possible. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* WHAT. Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. * WHERE. A portion of central North Carolina. * WHEN. From midnight tonight to 6 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured outdoor objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and result in scattered power outages. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Winds will increase overnight, reaching their peak by mid/late morning. Winds will gradually weaken Friday evening.

FFWGSP The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has extended the * Flash Flood Warning for. Northern Iredell County in the piedmont of North Carolina. * Until 415 AM EDT. * At 314 AM EDT, between 3 and 5 inches of rain fell across portions of northern and western Iredell County today. Runoff from this rainfall has resulted in rises on area streams with trained spotters reporting flood waters from Rocky Creek over Williamsburg Road in the Olin area. Additional roads may be experiencing flooding across northern portions of Iredell County. The expected rainfall rate is 0.5 to 1 inch in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD. Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE. Trained spotters reported. IMPACT. Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include. Statesville, Stony Point, Harmony, Love Valley, Olin, Turnersburg, Union Grove, Cool Springs and Scotts.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 687 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT FRIDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN NORTH CAROLINA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES IN THE WESTERN PIEDMONT OF NORTH CAROLINA CABARRUS GASTON MECKLENBURG UNION NC IN SOUTH CAROLINA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 5 COUNTIES IN UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA CHESTER GREENWOOD LAURENS UNION SC YORK THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BLACKSTOCK, CATAWBA, CHARLOTTE, CHESTER, CLINTON, CONCORD, CORNWELL, GASTONIA, GREAT FALLS, HUNTERSVILLE, INDIAN TRAIL, KANNAPOLIS, LAURENS, MATTHEWS, MONARCH MILLS, MONROE, NINETY SIX, ROCK HILL, TRINITY, UNION, WARE SHOALS, AND WEDDINGTON.

FFWGSP The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for. A Dam Floodgate Release in. Northeastern Gaston County in the piedmont of North Carolina. Northwestern Mecklenburg County in the piedmont of North Carolina. * Until 830 PM EDT Friday. * At 554 PM EDT, **Impacted residents should standby for further evaciation instructions from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management.** Rainfall accumulations of 4-8 inches Wednesday night into Thursday morning over the headwaters of the Catawba River and associated tributaries has caused high flows and increasing lake pool elevations along the Catawba River. Duke Energy is passing excess water through each reservoir upstream of Mountain Island Lake, including immediately upstream at Cowans Ford Dam at Lake Norman. These releases are resulting in significant rises at Mountain Island Lake, where the pool is currently at 98.45 feet and rising rapidly. Full pool is 100.0 feet. Mountain Island Lake is expected to reach 103.5 feet overnight tonight, which will result in Minor floding along the lake shoreline as well as areas downstream of Mountain Island Dam, including within the Riverside Dr community. Caution is advised anywhere near the Catawba River from Cowans Ford Dam to the Lake Wylie inlet. Additional torrential, potentially devastating rainfall is expected later tonight through Thursday morning from Hurricane Helene. There is high confidence that another 5-12 inches of rainfall will occur from Lake Hickory to the Catawba River headwaters, with the highest totals along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. This rainfall will occur on saturated soils and excessive runoff into elevated streams will result in potentially catastrophic inflows into the Catawba River lakes. These flows will have to be passed downstream through the Catawba River reservoir system, including through Mountain Island Lake. Based on current rainfall forecasts and conditions, Duke Energy expects Mountain Island Lake to reach or exceed 110.0 feet later Friday, which is 10.0 feet over full pond. This would be a record pool elevation at Mountain Island Lake, breaking the record of 109.60 feet which occurred in August 1940. Mountain Island Lake reached 106.91 feet on June 10, 2019. which is the highest crest in the modern era. Major Flood Stage is 105.5 feet. These lake levels will cause unprecedented, catastrophic flooding of Mountain Island Lake and possibly adjacent reaches of the Catawba River. HAZARD. Life-threatening flash flooding from dam floodgate releases caused by excessive rainfall. SOURCE. Duke Energy and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management IMPACT. Life-threatening, Moderate flash flooding of areas along the Catawba River from immediately downstream of Cowans Ford Dam to Mountain Island Lake to the Riverside Dr community below Mountain Island Lake Dam. At 104.0 feet. Moderate Flood Stage. Significant inundation of outbuildings is beginning around Mountain Island Lake and downstream of the dam along/near Riverside Dr. Residents downstream of the dam should be completing preparations to evacuate and heeding guidance from Char-Meck Emergency Management. * If the rainfall forecast verifies, Major flooding will be likely along and near Mountain Island Lake and a Flash Flood Emergency will be issued. Residents are encouraged to heed guidance from local officials and emergency management on any potential impacts to property. Drivers are encouraged to heed any barricades and avoid all flooded areas. This has the potential to be a historic and extremely dangerous event. Please stay weather aware and monitor lake levels and Duke Energy projections closely for any changes. * For more information on lake levels or dam releases, people are encouraged to visit http://lakes.duke-energy.com or call 1-800-829-5253. * Residents along and below Mountain Island Lake are encouraged to stay aware of the latest updates from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management by signing up for Char-Meck Alerts at: www.charmeckalerts.com * Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management, Gaston County Emergency Management, and Duke Energy are closely monitoring these high flows and pool levels and additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

* WHAT. Nuisance to Minor shoreline and river flooding caused by excessive rainfall and resultant dam gate releases at Oxford Dam. * WHERE. The Catawba River from Oxford Dam to I-40 in portions of Alexander, Catawba, and Iredell counties in North Carolina. * WHEN. Until 400 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS. Several docks, access areas, swimming areas, and low-lying residential yards will likely flood. Some outbuildings, campgrounds, and roads may be impacted with shallow flooding. Residents are encouraged to heed guidance from local officials and emergency management on any potential impacts to property. Drivers are encouraged to heed any barricades and avoid all flooded areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 405 PM EDT, Rainfall accumulations of 4-8 inches Wednesday night into Thursday morning over the headwaters of the Catawba River and associated tributaries has caused high flows and increasing lake pool elevations along the Catawba River. Excess water is being passed through Oxford Dam and has resulted in rises at Lookout Shoals Lake, where the pool is currently approaching 102.5 feet. This is causing nuisance shoreline flooding and flooding of lake access areas, campgrounds, docks, and swimming areas, as well as residential yards. Caution is advised anywhere near such areas. * The latest pool elevations for the upper Catawba River lakes are as follows (Full Pool is 100.0 feet): Lake James: 100.16 feet and rising steadily. Lake Rhodhiss: 94.98 feet and rising rapidly. Lake Hickory: 96.52 feet and nearly steady. Lookout Shoals Lake: 102.40 feet and rising steadily. - Additional torrential, potentially devastating rainfall is expected later tonight through Thursday morning from Hurricane Helene. There is the potential for another 5-12 inches of rainfall from Lake Hickory to the Catawba River headwaters, with the highest totals along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. This rainfall will occur on saturated soils and excessive runoff into elevated streams will result in potentially catastrophic inflows into the Catawba River lakes. * Based on current rainfall forecasts and conditions, Duke Energy expects Lookout Shoals Lake to reach or exceed 110.0 feet later Friday, which is 10.0 feet over full pond. The current record pool elevation at Lookout Shoals Lake is 114.40 feet which occurred in August 1940. Lookout Shoals Lake reached 108.30 feet on November 12, 2020, which is the highest crest in the modern era. Major Flood Stage is 106.0 feet. These lake levels will cause unprecedented, catastrophic flooding of Lookout Shoals Lake and possibly adjacent reaches of the Catawba River. * If the rainfall forecast verifies, Major flooding will be likely along and near Lookout Shoals Lake and a Flash Flood Emergency will be issued. Residents are encouraged to heed guidance from local officials and emergency management on any potential impacts to property. Drivers are encouraged to heed any barricades and avoid all flooded areas. This has the potential to be a historic and extremely dangerous event. Please stay weather aware and monitor lake levels and Duke Energy projections closely for any changes. * For more information on lake levels or dam releases, people are encouraged to visit http://lakes.duke-energy.com or call 1-800-829- 5253. * Residents along Lookout Shoals Lake should contact Catawba County Emergency Management immediately to update their contact information using the following direct link to their Community Alert System web page at: https://www.catawbacountync.gov/alert - Flooding will affect areas of the Catawba River from Oxford Dam to I-40, including Lookout Shoals Lake. - Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood