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Heavy rains in the past 24 hours have increased the likelihood of serious flooding beginning tomorow.
From the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City.
Oct. 7, 2016. 1 p.m.
Changes since last update:
- The forecast wind speeds across the area have increased and timing is a bit faster to enter the area based on a northward shift in the forecast track of Hurricane Matthew.
- A tropical storm warning has been issued for all of Eastern North Carolina and adjacent coastal waters.
- A storm surge warning has been issued for portions of the area for a potential of 2 to 4 feet above ground or 3 to 6 feet above normal.
- River flood warnings have been issued for: NE Cape Fear River at Chinquapin, Contentnea Creek at Hookerton, Neuse River at Kinston and the Tar River at Greenville
Hurricane Matthew key points:
- The rainfall forecast has further increased to 6 to 12 inches with local amounts up to 15 inches. This is a dangerous and life threatening flooding event this weekend.
- The combination of abnormally high coastal water levels, additional storm surge, and extremely heavy rainfall, will produce increased dangerous flood levels, from flash flooding and storm surge combined.
- This event has the potential to create once-in-a-lifetime flooding levels for some areas. Rivers could flood in the days to come, reaching moderate to major flood levels. This could be the worst flooding seen in Eastern NC since Hurricane Floyd.
- There is the potential for significant inundation of water that could result in three feet or more across low lying roadways and homes and other buildings on low lying properties being inundated.
- The combination of isolated dune breaches, over wash, and sound side flooding could cause mostly areas of inundation on portions of Highway 12 on the Outer Banks and This could occur Saturday night through Sunday Night.
- High surf across the Outer Banks from Cape Hatteras North will continue Sunday into Vulnerable spots like Kitty Hawk could experience issues from erosion at multiple high tide cycles and suffer some over wash.
- Travel this weekend is highly discouraged.
- Residents in low lying areas should take action to elevate property and move cars to higher ground.
- With higher winds and rainfall, potential for downed trees has increased and power outages could be more numerous. Vulnerable homes and buildings near tall trees should be aware of the potential for downed trees falling on them.
- Areas accessible by low lying roads will likely be cut off. Residents, especially those with medical needs in these locations should consider re-locating to safer and more accessible locations if possible.
- Complete your disaster preparedness kits and other safety preparations today
- Evacuate if asked to do so.
