* 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.

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. East winds 20 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.

* WHAT. Southeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * WHERE. Alexander, Cabarrus, Davie, Iredell, and Rowan Counties. * WHEN. Until 2 PM EDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. The combination of strong wind gusts with wet and loose soil will cause more trees to fall than is typical with these winds. Scattered power outages are possible.

HLSGSP This product covers the western Carolinas and NE Georgia **HELENE TO BRING SIGNIFICANT FLASH FLOODING AND POSSIBLE HURRICANE FORCE WIND GUSTS TO THE WESTERN CAROLINAS AND NORTHEAST GEORGIA**** 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 260 miles south-southwest of Greenville/Spartanburg SC or about 310 miles south of Asheville NC - 31.2N 83.3W - Storm Intensity 90 mph - Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 26 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Helene made landfall just before midnight Thursday in the Big Bend of Florida. Helene is currently over eastern Georgia. Significant, potentially catastrophic flash flooding and major to record mainstem river flooding is expected over portions of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia through this afternoon, especially along the Blue Ridge escarpment. Wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph with up to 80 mph across the higher ridge tops will be associated with Helene as the center of the storm tracks just west of the County Warning Area through this morning. The combination of saturated soils and strong wind gusts will result in widespread downed trees, leading to numerous power outages. Numerous landslides will occur across the mountains, with large, damaging debris flows or slope failures likely. Several brief tornadoes are also possible, mainly across the Piedmont. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible devastating impacts across the North Carolina mountains, northeast Georgia, and Upstate South Carolina. Potential 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. * WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across the western North Carolina mountains and northeast Georgia and the western Upstate South Carolina. Potential impacts in this area include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the remainder of the western Carolinas. * TORNADOES: Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across the eastern South Carolina Piedmont and the North Carolina Piedmont. Potential 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. Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the rest of the Piedmont and Foothills of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather forecast before departing and drive with caution. It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown! If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * 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 11 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

* 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.

* WHAT. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE. Portions of northeast Georgia, including the following areas, Elbert and Hart, North Carolina, including the following areas, Alexander, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Davie, Eastern McDowell, Eastern Polk, Gaston, Greater Burke, Greater Caldwell, Greater Rutherford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union NC, and upstate South Carolina, including the following areas, Abbeville, Anderson, Central Greenville, Cherokee, Chester, Greenwood, Laurens, Northern Spartanburg, Southern Greenville, Southern Spartanburg, Union SC and York. * WHEN. Until 2 PM EDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - Bands of heavy rain will continue to move across the Watch area through the morning. Flash flooding is ongoing across portions of the area and additional rainfall of 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts is expected across much of the area. Significant and damaging flash-flooding along numerous streams is possible. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* 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. Through 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 4 to 6 inches, and locally higher amounts, of rain will fall on already saturated soils. - 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 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.

FFWRAH The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for. Northeastern Chatham County in central North Carolina. Durham County in central North Carolina. Orange County in central North Carolina. Wake County in central North Carolina. * Until 300 PM EDT. * At 1109 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD. Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE. Radar. IMPACT. Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. * Some locations that will experience flash 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.

* WHAT. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE. A portion of central North Carolina, including the following counties, Alamance, Chatham, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Randolph and Scotland. * WHEN. Until 100 PM EDT. * IMPACTS. Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 950 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. - Some locations that will experience flooding include. Fayetteville, Sanford, Southern Pines, Raeford, Pittsboro, Lillington, Carthage, Fort Liberty, Siler City, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Goldston, Godwin, Pope AFB, Antioch, Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Eastover, Whispering Pines and Liberty. - 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