SOUTHEASTERN, N.C. — With the ground already saturated, expected rain, and tropical-force winds, Category 2 Hurricane Michael will likely bring a toned-down version of last month’s events back to the Cape Fear region.
One particularly unwelcome returnee: blackouts. National Weather Service Wilmington is predicting power outages ahead of the storm, expected to pass through the area beginning Wednesday.
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In the most recent briefing, NWS predicted it will not take much wind to topple already-weakened trees. This will likely lead to additional power outages, a month after over half the region was left without power after Hurricane Florence’s landfall.
On the coast, a surge is expected Thursday, where vulnerable low spots on the beach or places where the shoreline was weakened will be vulnerable to flooding, the Tuesday morning briefing states.
Two to four inches of rainfall is predicted in the region, coupled with tropical force sustained winds predicted between 25 and 45 mph. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph, predicted to be highest along the coast.
On Tuesday morning, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper provided a briefing on the brewing storm.
“If your home was damaged during Florence, now is the time to secure it if you are able to do so safely,” Cooper said.
Cooper said North Carolinians may begin to feel effects on Wednesday, as conditions clear up by Friday. “Unlike Florence, this storm is expected to move through our state quickly,” Cooper said. “Don’t let Michael catch you with your guard down.”
To stay up to date on Hurricane Michael’s path and local predictions, visit NWS’ website.
