Raleigh.- The National Weather Service has issued an alert for the central region of North Carolina due to the effects of Hurricane Helene, which is expected to impact with heavy rain and strong gusts of wind between Thursday night and Friday afternoon.
The strongest wind gusts, with speeds up to 62 mph, will be concentrated in the western part of the state, particularly in the mountains and Piedmont, affecting cities such as Asheville and Greensboro.
Although gusts in central North Carolina are expected to be between 30-40 mph, these, combined with saturated ground, may result in downed trees and power outages.
Floods due to heavy rain
The forecast calls for the Midwest to receive between 1 and 3 inches of rain. The hardest hit areas will be west of US-1, while the heaviest rainfall, up to 6 inches, will occur in the mountains.
These rains could cause flash flooding and river overflows, especially in areas closest to the Yadkin River.
Tornado risk
The rain system that will move across the state on Friday morning also has the potential to generate isolated tornadoes in some areas, increasing the danger level for residents.
In response to the imminent threat of Hurricane HeleneGovernor Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency in North Carolina.
This measure is to warn residents to prepare for what could be one of the most severe weather events of the year.
The storm, moving rapidly toward the state, is expected to unleash a devastating combination of flooding, landslides and high winds that could endanger lives and cause significant property damage.
Impacts from Hurricane Helene are forecast to peak between Thursday night and Saturday morning, affecting both western and central North Carolina.
Recommendations
Citizens are urged to take immediate precautions and prepare for possible disruptions to basic services, such as electrical power, and to be alert for possible evacuation orders in flood-prone areas. Authorities recommend avoiding traffic on flooded roads and remaining calm in the event of severe weather events.
The Weather Service also warns that conditions could worsen over the next few hours, so it is essential to continue monitoring official updates.
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