
SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — As the category four hurricane begins to approach Big Bend Florida, residents in North Carolina also are preparing for the aftereffects.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington’s Thursday night update, Hurricane Helene’s effects on the southeastern North Carolina coast will bring an increased chance of tornadoes than last projected. The storm is large, with bands stretching outward from its center to more than 350 miles.
“The main threat will be tornadoes, including dangerous nighttime tornadoes late tonight in South Carolina, lasting into the morning in the Cape Fear region,” NWS noted in its 6 p.m. update.
It’s important to ensure all devices that alert tornado warnings are charged and operational. The threats begin overnight but will peak around sunrise on Friday.
There can be localized gusts up to 35 miles per hour and rainfall totals up to 2 inches, though both could intensify in some isolated areas.
While not under a tropical storm warning, the tri-county region is under a high surf and small craft advisory, meaning marine conditions will bring steep waves and strong rip currents.
As well, there will be minor coastal flooding during high tide along the coast through Friday morning, in downtown Wilmington and along the lower Cape Fear River throughout the weekend.
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