Flood and wind warnings in effect for parts of Triangle, life-threatening flooding along North Carolina coast

On Monday, Potential Tropical Cyclone #8 will bring heavy rain, strong winds, and the threat of tornadoes, flooding and power outages to North Carolina.

The greatest impacts from PTC #8 will be felt in the second half of Monday and Tuesday, particularly along the coast. The storm dropped over 15 inches of rain in Carolina Beach, causing life-threatening flooding.

According to WRAL meteorologist Chris Michaels, PTC #8 could become Helene on Monday, but the impact on North Carolina will be the same even if the storm remains unnamed.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect along the North Carolina coast.

A Flood Warning is in effect for Durham, Harnett, Johnston and Wake counties until 5 p.m. Monday. A Wind Warning is in effect for Chatham, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Sampson, Scotland, Wake and Wayne counties until 2 a.m. Tuesday.

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Timing, Impact of Potential Tropical Cyclone #8

Monday afternoon, the Triangle could see occasional heavy rainfall and wind gusts of 40 to 56 km/h. There is also a chance of flooding, local wind damage and power outages.

Monday is a WRAL weather alert day due to PTC #8 and there is a Level 1 (of 5) risk of a tornado late Monday afternoon into the evening, primarily in areas south and east of the Triangle.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on X that the system could cause flash flooding and minor river flooding in southeastern North Carolina. Coastal flooding and high surf are also possible along the North Carolina coast, the NHC said.

Conditions will begin to improve Tuesday, with rain and wind possible early in the morning. Showers and storms will become more isolated Tuesday afternoon, Michaels said.

Looking ahead to the coming week, the low pressure area will weaken, but the effects will be felt throughout the week.

“This means that there is a chance of scattered showers and storms every afternoon and evening from Wednesday through Friday,” Michaels said. “Some dry air could arrive for the weekend.”

NC emergency services are on standby

Government agencies are preparing for possible storm impacts on Monday, after WRAL declared a weather alert day.

Emergency response teams are ready to mobilize from their facilities and provide crews, equipment and support to areas, particularly along the coast, that may require additional assistance.

Just over a month ago, Tropical Storm Debby battered the region with high winds and heavy rain. More severe coastal weather is expected this week from Potential Tropical Cyclone #8.

Floods are often the most dangerous part of a storm.

“Water is one of the most powerful forces on Earth. Even a small amount of rain or floodwater on a road can be devastating,” said Darshan Patel, Operations Manager for Wake County Emergency Management.

Patel said the ground is already saturated due to this week’s rainfall and that could easily lead to flooding in low-lying areas.

“We are working closely with our partners to assess potential public safety concerns. If risks are identified, we are ready to take proactive measures,” he said.

Crews are monitoring road conditions and power lines. Duke Energy anticipates possible power outages if strong coastal winds move inland and combine with heavy rain.

“It’s a constant challenge with Mother Nature,” said Jeff Brooks, a spokesman for Duke Energy. “Drip soil makes it even more difficult to prevent power outages from falling trees, but we’re doing everything we can to minimize disruptions.”

Duke Energy is keeping its current teams on standby so they can be sent to critical areas if needed.

Although summer is coming to an end, the peak of tropical storm season is just beginning.

“This system developed quickly offshore and will continue to bring severe weather for the next few days. We could see more storms like this soon,” Brooks said.

For local safety updates, residents are encouraged to use ReadyWake, a mobile resource that provides notifications of potential hazards in their area.