NWS Raleigh Friday, Sept. 30 at 6:00 a.m.

Between 3 to 6 inches of rain are expected throughout North Carolina. Rainfall of this magnitude could result in flash flooding, especially in urban and low-lying areas. Some accumulation of water in low-lying and flood-prone locations with localized and urban flooding possible. Winds will increase with gusts of 40 to 60 mph possible. The heaviest rain and strongest winds are expected from 2pm to midnight. An isolated tornado is possible near and east of Interstate 95 during the afternoon and evening. Heavy rain and winds will decrease from south to north after midnight. Flooding could linger overnight as area rivers and creeks rise.

NCEM Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7:00 a.m.

Impacts from Ian and its remnants are expected to begin late Thursday and continue through the weekend as the system moves through the region. The primary hazard will be heavy rain that could lead to localized flash flooding, landslides along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, and rises on main-stem rivers. Most areas will remain dry through much of Thursday before rain starts to move into southeastern NC late Thursday – early Friday. The heaviest and most widespread rainfall is expected Friday and Saturday. Generally, 2-5” of rainfall is expected across the state, with 4-7” and locally higher totals possible near the coast and along the Blue Ridge Escarpment.

Gusty winds, isolated tornadoes, and hazardous marine conditions will also be possible. Gusts 25-40 mph are likely across much of the state Friday and Saturday with gusts up to 45 mph possible along the coast as well as the higher elevations of western NC. Gusty winds and saturated soils could lead to downed trees and isolated power outages across the state. 1-3' of inundation is possible in low-lying areas along the southern NC coast, with the highest water levels expected with each high tide Friday. Farther north, northeasterly and easterly winds along the coast could lead to coastal flooding and a Coastal Flood Watch is in effect for Beaufort, Pamlico, southern Craven, and eastern Carteret counties Thursday afternoon – Saturday morning as 1-3’ of inundation is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines in tidal waterways.

Update Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 5:35 p.m.

• Statement from Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler on waiving of motor vehicle regulations to help farmers
• Executive Order NO. 270 Declaration of a State of Emergency and Temporary Waiver and Suspension of Motor Vehicle Regulations

• Regional Emergency Declaration Under 49 CFR § 390.23 No. 2022-013

  The Emergency Declaration provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations while providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting supplies, goods, equipment, and fuel into the Affected States, and transporting persons into and from the Affected States, or providing other assistance in the form of emergency services during the emergency related to Hurricane Ian in the Affected States. By execution of this Emergency Declaration, motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency in direct support of relief efforts related to the emergency as set out in this declaration are granted relief from 49 CFR § 395.3, maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles and 49 CFR § 395.5, maximum driving time for passenger-carrying vehicles, subject to the restrictions and conditions set forth herein.1 Direct assistance means transportation and other relief services provided by a motor carrier or its driver(s) incident to the immediate restoration of essential supplies or essential services. Direct assistance does not include transportation related to long term rehabilitation of damaged physical infrastructure or routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration, after the initial threat to life and property has passed.

Update Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 9:46 a.m.

Current Weather Forecast from National Weather Service, Raleigh Office September 28, 2022 6:00 a.m.

Hurricane Ian is now a major hurricane with 140 mph winds in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Beyond Friday, uncertainty and spread with regard to the long-term track and intensity remains high. Impacts for central NC Friday through Sunday will include heavy rain, possible flash flooding, gusty winds, and a few isolated tornadoes. The earliest reasonable time of arrival of tropical storm force winds, mainly in gusts (should they happen) is during the daylight hours on Friday.

There is less than a 1 in 10 chance that central NC could experience tropical storm force winds (mainly in gusts) late this week and into this weekend. 2 to 6 inches of rain are possible Friday through Sunday. Rainfall of this magnitude could result in flash flooding. Late Friday through Saturday is expected to be the wettest, most impactful period for central NC.