[ARCHIVED] Last Update: 9/30/22 12:35pm
TLDR
- Ian is just off the Southeast coast, is expected to make landfall along the South Carolina coast later today. This will put Ian on course to move into NC late today, with tropical storm force wind gusts across much of central NC today into tonight.
- Tropical Storm force winds will be a threat to the local area with gusts of 39 to 57 mph possible.
- Randolph County Schools and Asheboro City Schools will be closed Friday 9/30. The NC Zoo will be closed on Oct 1st and 2nd, The Asheboro Fall Festival and NASCAR Day scheduled for this weekend have both been canceled.
- NC Gov has issued a state of emergency.
Forecast & Effects
Hurricane Ian, located just off the Southeast coast, is expected to make landfall along the South Carolina coast later today. This will put Ian on course to move into NC late today, with tropical storm force
wind gusts across much of central NC today into tonight. Impacts from the storm across central NC will continue through early Saturday. Heavy rainfall will lead to a threat of flash flooding, especially this afternoon into tonight. Tropical storm force wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph, with isolated higher gusts, are expected across portions of the central, southern, and northwest Piedmont, Coastal Plain, and Sandhills, with gusts to 40 mph elsewhere. In addition, an isolated tornado can`t be ruled out across the Coastal Plain today into tonight.
Effects
Winds – The wind forecast remains mostly unchanged today. Forecasts linger on the line between strong and tropical storm force winds. Winds are expected to be between 25-35 mph today with gusts of up to 40 to 60 mph.
Rain – A total of 3 to 5 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts is expected through tonight/early Saturday.
Flooding – Heavy downpours could result in localized flash flooding of streams, creeks, urban areas, and any other low-lying areas that are prone to flash flooding. There is a risk for minor river flooding of the main stem rivers across central NC late today into early next week. Given the recent dry conditions this past summer, moderate or higher river flooding is unlikely.
Tornado – There is a small risk (level 2 of 5) for isolated tornadoes, near and especially east of Interstate 95. Tropical cyclone tornadoes are typically very isolated, spin up very quickly and have very short damage paths. That said, do not delay seeking shelter if a tornado warning is issued for your area or if you see or hear threatening weather approaching.
Local Closings and Cancelations
- Randolph County Schools – Closed Friday 9/30/22
- Asheboro City Schools – Closed Friday 9/30/22
- NC Zoo – The North Carolina Zoo will be closed to the public on Fri, Sept. 30 and Sat., Oct. 1. The Zoo anticipates reopening on schedule for Sunday, Oct. 2, but please watch our website and social media for the latest updates.
- Asheboro Fall Festival – the Annual Fall Festival committee and Randolph Arts Guild Board of Directors has made the decision to cancel the 2022 Fall Festival, October 1-2, 2022.
- NASCAR Day – Due to the Governors declaration of a State of Emergency for North Carolina, the 34th NASCAR Day Festival scheduled for Saturday October 1 is cancelled for the safety of the public.
Updates
Friday Sept 30th, 2022
The Triad along with most of Central North Carolina is under both a Flood Watch as well as a Tropical Storm Warning today. The National Weather Service Office in Raleigh continues to warn of intense winds with gusts to 50-60mps, heavy rain with localized flooding, as well as a slight risk for tornadoes with this storm. On top of the cancelations announced yesterday, today both Randolph County Schools and Asheboro City Schools are closed.
We will continue to monitor the storm and post updates as they become available.
Thursday Sept 29th, 2022
NC Gov Issues State of Emergency – In advance of Hurricane Ian’s remnants moving through the state, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency this morning. According to a press release from the Governor’s office, declaring the state of emergency now activates the state’s emergency operations plan, waives transportation rules to help the transport of fuel and critical supplies, helps first responders and the agriculture industry and protects consumers from price gouging.
Executive order 270 waives the size and weight requirements for vehicles engaged in relief efforts before, during and after the severe weather, including power restoration and debris removal, as well as the transportation of goods like food, fuel, and medical supplies. The order also helps North Carolina’s agricultural sector by temporarily suspending weighing of vehicles used to transport livestock, poultry or crops ready to be harvested.
In addition, North Carolina’s price gouging law against overcharging in a state of emergency is now in effect statewide.
According to the press release Governor Cooper also authorized the activation of about eighty members of the North Carolina National Guard to assist as needed.
Wednesday Sept 28th, 2022
Several hours ago, Hurricane Ian made landfall just north of Cape Coral Florida as a category 4 storm. The newest models are showing it’s likely that Ian will track across the state of Florida before re-entering the Atlantic Ocean and making a second landfall in South Carolina.
It does not appear likely that Ian will regain a lot of strength before making a second landfall, however it is likely that Ian could retain tropical storm force winds along with picking up a lot of moisture.