CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – There are two First Alert Weather Days this week as Tropical Storm Helene heads toward the Southeastern United States, potentially bringing several inches of rain to the Carolinas.
- Today: Mid 80s, tropically humid, more thunderstorms late in the day
- Thursday & Friday: First weather warning – Helene influences
- Weekend: Big improvement, more sun, less chance of rain
It will remain warm and humid today, with afternoon temperatures reaching 27 to 30 degrees. More storms will form throughout the afternoon, especially in our western counties, before moving into the Charlotte area this evening.
Tonight there will continue to be showers and heavy thunderstorms, with lows of 21 degrees.
Rain chances will increase quickly Thursday as Helene prepares to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a major hurricane late in the day. There’s a chance Helene could become stronger than the 120 mph Category 3 storm currently forecast.
With a stronger hurricane forecast for landfall, Helene now looks set to reach hurricane strength in Georgia, meaning stronger winds for our region. Widespread, heavy rain and gusty winds are expected Thursday night, with impacts peaking just in time for rush hour Friday morning. Gradual improvement should begin Friday afternoon.
Main impacts:
In the mountains and foothills between Helene and today, rainfall amounts could be 6-10+ inches. This has created an increased risk of flooding in these areas. The Charlotte Metro is expected to receive 4 to 6 inches of rain and localized flash flooding will occur. Lower rainfall amounts are forecast for the Sandhills.
Wind gusts could reach at least 50 mph in all areas along and west of I-77, downing trees and causing isolated to numerous power outages. The strongest winds are expected locally Friday morning. East of I-77, gusts could reach 40 mph.
We also need to be aware of the risk of tropical tornadoes as the center of circulation passes to the west of us.
By Friday afternoon and certainly by the weekend, Helene will have moved away and drier weather will set in. The weekend will see highs of around 27 degrees with more sunshine and less chance of rain.
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– Chief Meteorologist Al Conklin
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