Hurricane Helene Local Impacts

Nicole Madden,

Hurricane Helene is forecast to intensify into a major category 4 hurricane before landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida Thursday. It will bring peak impacts of heavy rain, flash flooding and isolated tornadoes to the Carolinas Thursday night through Friday morning.

AM Headlines:
  • Hurricane Helene Intensifies
  • Tropical Storm Warnings
  • Flash Flood Watches
  • Severe Threat
Discussion:
As of the 2am update from the NHC, Helene remains a category 1 hurricane. It will intensify rapidly today into a major category 4 hurricane before making landfall on the big bend region of Florida this evening. Flash flood watches and tropical storm warnings are in effect for most of the region.
McDowell County has reported several water rescues already in the mountains. There were multiple severe warned storms with rotating cells last night. Two potential tornadoes in Watauga county. NOTE tropical tornadoes are usually very short lived — and disappear before warnings can even be issued.
There are ongoing flood warnings and advisories in the high country and foothills and with a threat of isolated tornadoes this morning. Peak impacts will begin this evening across the region with heavy rain, flash flooding, damaging wind gusts and tornadoes all possible threats.
Hazards & Peak Impacts
Heavy Rain & Flooding
Significant concern for the region. Flash Flooding, Landslides and Major River Flooding post Helene
Mountain Counties –  6-10″ on top of the 2-4″ that has already fallen…10-18″ total for some areas VERY POSSIBLE
Landslides are a BIG concern especially with 10″+ of rainfall
West of I-77 to Foothills -3-6″
East of I-77 – 1-3″ of rain

Strong Winds (Peak Impacts Thursday PM – Friday Afternoon)

45-60 mph gusts, especially in the higher elevations
Expect numerous trees down

Power Outages

Dangerous driving conditions

Tornadoes (Peak Late Thursday Night – Early Friday AM)

Outer rain bands will have embedded tornadoes

Southern section of region, near and South of I-85

These are usually rain-wrapped, quick spin ups making them difficult to see

Conditions will begin to improve from south to north Friday afternoon with sunshine returning Saturday. However, river flooding will be ongoing through the weekend.