Nicole will track across western portions of the Carolinas today, where it will become absorbed into a cold front this evening and tonight.  Though Nicole is now a tropical depression, it is still causing problems.

Wind: 20 to 30 mph wind gusts are possible across central North Carolina anytime during the afternoon and evening. There could be a few isolated higher gusts to 40-45 mph associated with
thunderstorms during the evening.

Rain: 1 – 1.5 inches of rain is possible from through midnight. Minor flooding of poor drainage areas and the typical spots that collect water is possible when we have heavy downpours. Heaviest rain and best risk for flash flooding will be from the Triad westward.

Tornadoes: Isolated tornadoes resulting in localized pockets of intense wind damage are possible. The threat is greatest through 2 pm, mainly south and east of the Triangle.

 Tornado Safety Tips and Resources

• National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado
• Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Tornadoes
• CDC National Center for Environmental Health: Staying Safe in a Tornado
• FEMA: Tornado

Ian is located about 60 miles east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, and is moving quickly northward. Heavy rain, strong wind gusts and higher than normal water levels are already impacting parts of North Carolina.

Warning: A hurricane warning has been issued for areas along and near the coast of NOrth Carolina.

S​torm Surge: A storm surge warning remains in effect in North Carolina, including the lower Neuse River in North Carolina. This means life-threatening flooding from rising water moving inland from the coastline is expected.

W​ind Threat: Power outages and some tree damage could occur in areas under hurricane and tropical storm warnings, especially in the Carolinas.

Tornadoes: A few tornadoes are possible Friday.

**A State of Emergency has been declared for North Carolina.** https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2022/09/28/governor-cooper-issues-state-emergency-advance-severe-weathere-ian

Evacuation Information

• Ready NC: Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Routes

Hurricane and Flood Safety Tips and Resources

• National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
• National Hurricane Preparedness: English|Spanish
• Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Floods
• Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Hurricanes
• American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Flood Safety Tips: English|Spanish
• CDC Preparedness and Safety for Hurricanes and Flooding: Guide
• FEMA – How to Prepare for a Hurricane: Guide

Steps to Keep Yourself Safe After Flooding

• Watch your step. Floodwaters often hide sharp and dangerous debris, like broken glass and metal. Floodwater can also be contaminated with oil, gasoline or sewage.
• Wear the appropriate protective clothing and gear such as boots, gloves and safety glasses when moving debris.
• Stay away from electrical utility equipment after a storm, or if it is wet, to prevent being electrocuted. Report any utility issues to your local utility company.
• Flooded homes are hazards. Get a professional to check for loose wires, mold and hidden damage before re-entering.
• Use generators or other gas-powered machinery only outdoors and away from windows.
• Never drive into a road covered with flowing water. One foot of flowing water can sweep a car off the road; 2 feet will carry away an SUV or pickup. Even 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet. Never walk or drive through swift water. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Respect barricades and posted signage. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around. You’re not only putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of first responders.
• If you encounter a dark traffic signal, treat it as a four-way stop.

Ian is now a Tropical Storm and is located on the eastern coast of Florida. Ian is forecast to move over the Atlantic shortly. The forecast track has shifted slightly east since the last update. Ian is forecast to be near hurricane strength when it approaches coastal North Carolina, and then weaken Friday night and Saturday as it moves across the southern states. While the coast can expect the greatest impacts (heaviest rainfall, storm surge, coastal flooding, strongest winds, isolated tornado threat), it is highly likely that every portion of the state will experience Ian. Impacts begin today and will extend through Sunday.

**A State of Emergency has been declared for North Carolina** https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2022/09/28/governor-cooper-issues-state-emergency-advance-severe-weather

Hurricane and Flood Safety Tips and Resources

• National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
• National Hurricane Preparedness: English|Spanish
• Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Floods
• Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies: Hurricanes
• American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Flood Safety Tips: English|Spanish
• CDC Preparedness and Safety for Hurricanes and Flooding: Guide
• FEMA – How to Prepare for a Hurricane: Guide