* WHAT. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE. Much of central North Carolina, including most of the Piedmont, the Yadkin Valley, the Sandhills, the southern Coastal Plain along with the Triad and Triangle areas. * WHEN. Through this afternoon. * IMPACTS. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - Given recent wet conditions, the ground is saturated and streamflows are significantly above normal. Much of central North Carolina is susceptible to flash flooding as periods of heavy rain overspread the region. The heaviest and most widespread rain will fall this morning into the early afternoon. Total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected on average with 3 inches or greater possible in isolated locations.

* WHAT. South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * WHERE. Alexander, Cabarrus, Davie, Iredell, and Rowan Counties. * WHEN. Until 7 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Due to saturated soils following Helene, any wind gusts this afternoon may bring down trees which normally could withstand such winds.

* WHAT. South winds 15 to 20 mph with frequent gusts of 35 to 40 mph. Higher elevations may experience a few gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE. Portions of northeast Georgia, piedmont and western North Carolina, and upstate South Carolina. * WHEN. Until 7 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Due to saturated soils following Helene, any wind gusts this afternoon may bring down trees which normally could withstand such winds.

* WHAT. South winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * WHERE. Portions of northeast Georgia, piedmont and western North Carolina, and upstate South Carolina. * WHEN. Until 7 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Due to saturated soils following Helene, any wind gusts this afternoon may bring down trees which normally could withstand such winds.

HLSGSP This product covers the western Carolinas and NE Georgia HELENE WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION AS IT EXITS THE AREA. RIVER AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING WILL CONTINUE ACROSS MUCH OF THE AREA IN ITS WAKE. NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - All watches and warnings have been canceled * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * STORM INFORMATION: - About 230 miles west-northwest of Charlotte NC or about 180 miles northwest of Greenville/Spartanburg SC - 36.6N 84.6W - Storm Intensity 35 mph - Movement North-northwest or 330 degrees at 28 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Helene has been downgraded to a Tropical Depression. The system, which is positioned over eastern Kentucky this afternoon, will continue to pull away from the area. However, significant river and areal flooding will continue over the next several days across the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia, particularly in the vicinity of the mountains and foothills. We continue to advise against travel unless fleeing rising floodwaters. Gusty winds behind the system will eventually subside toward sunset. The threat of landslides will gradually subside as the rain exits the area through the rest of the afternoon. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time across the western Carolinas and NE Georgia. * FLOODING RAIN: Excessive runoff from the heavy rain over the past few days will continue to produce areal and river flooding across the western Carolinas and NE Georgia. * TORNADOES: No impacts are anticipated at this time across the western Carolinas and NE Georgia. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: An evacuation is ongoing downstream of Lake Lure as a dam failure is imminent there. Otherwise, follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: If your home or shelter was damaged, be alert to the smell of gas leaks and be cautious around electrical wiring, broken glass, jagged metal and wood, and protruding nails and screws. Do not attempt to return to evacuated areas until local authorities have inspected roads and bridges and have given the all clear. Hazards like downed power lines and trees, washed out roads, continued flooding in low lying areas and non-functioning traffic lights make travel difficult. When inspecting damage, use flashlights rather than candles or flamed lanterns. Be aware of sparks that can ignite natural gas or other leaking flammables. When clearing out fallen trees, be careful with chainsaws and axes. Always wear protective gear and keep others at a safe distance. Leaning trees and those which have fallen on roofs or power lines can be especially dangerous. If you are not in good health or unsure about what you are doing, have someone with tree cutting experience do the job. Never cut trees without a partner. If using a generator, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by following instructions provided by the manufacturer. Operate your generator in a well-ventilated space outside of your living area and away from open doors and windows. Problems with sewer backups can further contaminate standing flood waters. Keep children away from flood waters. Also, listen for boil water alerts as tap water may have become non-potable. Be alert for any lingering wind gusts which could take down weakened trees and/or power lines, collapse damaged structures, or cause flying debris. Be alert for flooding from rising rivers and streams which may have yet to crest. Remain informed of the latest river forecasts and heed any flood watches and warnings. Be alert for flooded roads which could be compromised or littered with debris. Avoid travel until water levels subside and roads have been cleared. Do not drive through places where flood waters cover the road. Turn around, don't drown! * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- As it pertains to this event. this will be the last local statement issued by the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg SC regarding the effects of tropical cyclone hazards upon the area.

* WHAT. Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE. Portions of north central and northwest North Carolina, central, south central, southwest, and west central Virginia, and southeast West Virginia. * WHEN. Until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. The strongest winds will be along the southern Blue Ridge.

* WHAT. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE. Portions of North Carolina, including the following areas, Alleghany NC, Ashe, Caswell, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin, Virginia, including the following areas, Alleghany VA, Amherst, Appomattox, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Buckingham, Campbell, Carroll, Charlotte, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Halifax, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Smyth, Tazewell and Wythe, and southeast West Virginia, including the following areas, Eastern Greenbrier, Mercer, Monroe, Summers and Western Greenbrier. * WHEN. Until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - An additional 1 to 3 inches, and locally higher amounts, of rain will fall on already saturated soils. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

HLSGSP This product covers the western Carolinas and NE Georgia **HELENE HAS PASSED MOST OF THE AREA. BUT SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS CONTINUE** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Abbeville, Anderson, Avery, Buncombe, Burke Mountains, Caldwell Mountains, Catawba, Central Greenville, Cherokee, Chester, Cleveland, Eastern McDowell, Eastern Polk, Elbert, Franklin, Gaston, Graham, Greater Burke, Greater Caldwell, Greater Oconee, Greater Pickens, Greater Rutherford, Greenville Mountains, Greenwood, Habersham, Hart, Haywood, Henderson, Laurens, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell Mountains, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Northern Jackson, Northern Spartanburg, Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, Polk Mountains, Rabun, Rutherford Mountains, Southern Greenville, Southern Jackson, Southern Spartanburg, Stephens, Swain, Transylvania, Union NC, Union SC, Yancey, and York * STORM INFORMATION: - About 90 miles west of Greenville/Spartanburg SC or about 80 miles west-southwest of Asheville NC - 35.1N 83.8W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement North or 350 degrees at 32 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Helene has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm and is now centered over the Smoky Mountains. Significant flooding has been observed across a broad area of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia, particularly in the vicinity of the mountains and foothills. Widespread tree and power line damage has occurred across the region, and many roads have been made impassable by floodwaters. We continue to advise against travel unless fleeing rising floodwaters. Wind gusts have peaked for the event over most of the area, but tropical storm force gusts will remain possible through early afternoon in the Piedmont and southern mountains of North Carolina, and through mid to late afternoon over the northern North Carolina mountains and on all ridgetops. Landslides still could occur across the mountains, at least until the last of the rain tapers off this afternoon or evening. Tornado threat is diminishing and now confined to the North Carolina Piedmont, and will taper off completely by early afternoon. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across the western Carolinas and NE Georgia. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having additional limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across the western Carolinas and NE Georgia. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having additional devastating impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across the North Carolina Piedmont. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. Elsewhere across the western Carolinas and NE Georgia, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: An evacuation is ongoing downstream of Lake Lure as a dam failure is imminent there. Otherwise, follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg SC around 5:30 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

* WHAT. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE. The northern and central Coastal Plain. * WHEN. Until 6 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - Given recent wet conditions, the ground is saturated and streamflows are significantly above normal. Much of central North Carolina is susceptible to flash flooding as periods of heavy rain overspread the region. The heaviest and most widespread rain will fall through mid afternoon. Total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected on average with 3 inches or greater possible in isolated locations. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* WHAT. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE. A portion of central North Carolina, including the following counties, Alamance, Anson, Chatham, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph, Richmond, Sampson, Scotland, Stanly and Wake. * WHEN. Until 6 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - Given recent wet conditions, the ground is saturated and streamflows are significantly above normal. Much of central North Carolina is susceptible to flash flooding as periods of heavy rain overspread the region. The heaviest and most widespread rain will fall through mid afternoon. Total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected on average with 3 inches or greater possible in isolated locations. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* WHAT. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with frequent gusts 35 to 45 mph. * WHERE. Portions of the northeast Piedmont, western Sandhills, and central/southern Coastal Plain. * WHEN. Until 6 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured outdoor objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and result in scattered power outages.

* WHAT. Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with frequent gusts 35 to 50 mph. Sporadic wind gusts up to 55 mph will be possible. * WHERE. Western Piedmont and western Sandhills. * WHEN. Until 6 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured outdoor objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and result in scattered power outages.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 688 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN NORTH CAROLINA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 25 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA ALAMANCE CHATHAM DAVIDSON DURHAM EDGECOMBE FORSYTH FRANKLIN GRANVILLE GUILFORD HALIFAX HARNETT JOHNSTON LEE MONTGOMERY MOORE NASH ORANGE PERSON RANDOLPH STANLY VANCE WAKE WARREN WAYNE WILSON THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ABERDEEN, ALBEMARLE, ANGIER, APEX, ARCHDALE, ASHEBORO, BUIES CREEK, BURLINGTON, CARRBORO, CARTHAGE, CARY, CHAPEL HILL, CLAYTON, CREEDMOOR, DUNN, DURHAM, ENFIELD, ERWIN, FRANKLINTON, GOLDSBORO, GRAHAM, GREENSBORO, HENDERSON, HIGH POINT, HILLSBOROUGH, KITTRELL, KNIGHTDALE, LEXINGTON, LILLINGTON, LOUISBURG, MEBANE, NASHVILLE, NORLINA, OXFORD, PINEHURST, PITTSBORO, PRINCEVILLE, RALEIGH, ROANOKE RAPIDS, ROCKY MOUNT, ROUGEMONT, ROXBORO, SANFORD, SCOTLAND NECK, SELMA, SILER CITY, SMITHFIELD, SOUTHERN PINES, SPRING HOPE, TARBORO, THOMASVILLE, TROY, WAKE FOREST, WARRENTON, WILSON, AND WINSTON-SALEM.

TORNADO WATCH 688 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN NORTH CAROLINA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 17 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND DURHAM EDGECOMBE FRANKLIN GRANVILLE HALIFAX HARNETT JOHNSTON NASH ORANGE PERSON SAMPSON VANCE WAKE WARREN WAYNE WILSON THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ANGIER, APEX, BUIES CREEK, CARRBORO, CARY, CHAPEL HILL, CLAYTON, CLINTON, CREEDMOOR, DUNN, DURHAM, ENFIELD, ERWIN, FAYETTEVILLE, FRANKLINTON, GOLDSBORO, HENDERSON, HILLSBOROUGH, HOPE MILLS, KITTRELL, KNIGHTDALE, LILLINGTON, LOUISBURG, NASHVILLE, NORLINA, OXFORD, PRINCEVILLE, RALEIGH, ROANOKE RAPIDS, ROCKY MOUNT, ROSEBORO, ROUGEMONT, ROXBORO, SCOTLAND NECK, SELMA, SMITHFIELD, SPRING HOPE, SPRING LAKE, TARBORO, WAKE FOREST, WARRENTON, AND WILSON.

TORRNK The National Weather Service in BLACKSBURG has issued a * Tornado Warning for. North central Rockingham County in north central North Carolina. Western Pittsylvania County in south central Virginia. The eastern City of Martinsville in south central Virginia. Southeastern Henry County in south central Virginia. * Until 400 PM EDT. * At 328 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Eden, moving north at 35 mph. HAZARD. Tornado. SOURCE. Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT. Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. * Locations impacted include. Eden. Martinsville. Stoneville. Axton. Ridgeway. Leatherwood. and Chatmoss. This includes The following Location The Martinsville Speedway.

* WHAT. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE. A portion of central North Carolina, including the following counties, Chatham, Durham, Orange and Wake. * WHEN. Until 700 PM EDT. * IMPACTS. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 256 PM EDT, heavy rain from earlier thunderstorms has caused many creeks and streams to rise out of their banks. While the threat of flash flooding has lessened, flooding of low-lying areas and roadways will continue this evening. - Some locations that will experience flooding include. Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Wake Forest, Garner, Carrboro, Fuquay-Varina, Zebulon, RDU International, Rougemont, Apex, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Knightdale, Wendell, Rolesville, Research Triangle and William B Umstead State Park. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 688 IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN NORTH CAROLINA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 5 COUNTIES IN NORTH CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA CASWELL ROCKINGHAM STOKES SURRY IN NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA YADKIN IN VIRGINIA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 14 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA AMHERST APPOMATTOX BUCKINGHAM CAMPBELL CITY OF LYNCHBURG IN SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA BEDFORD CHARLOTTE CITY OF DANVILLE CITY OF MARTINSVILLE HALIFAX HENRY PITTSYLVANIA IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA PATRICK IN WEST CENTRAL VIRGINIA FRANKLIN