The National Weather Service out of Newport/Morehead City forecasts that with the incoming ice storm, periods of rain combined with already saturated soils and rivers and tributaries already in flood stage, will result in additional river rises and flooding beginning Thursday, and lasting through Friday, before rain ends by early Friday evening.
Occasional heavier rain bands could lead to localized flash flooding. See graphic.
As power outages are expected, Gov. Roy Cooper today issued a State of Emergency and ordered transportation waivers to speed help to areas that may experience power outages.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Cooper said this storm will bring significant icing that’s likely to result in many fallen trees and power lines.
“This forecast for icy weather is a real threat for widespread power outages especially in the northern, western and Piedmont counties,” he said.
These areas, especially north and west, could see between one-quarter and one-half inch of ice or more. Power outages are common with as little as a quarter-inch of icing on trees and power lines.
Weather Underground forecasts rain to begin around midnight tonight with a high Thursday of 55 degrees and a low of 46.
