RESIDENTS ALONG THE NC COAST SHOULD HAVE PREPARATIONS IN ACTION
Isaias became a hurricane last night in the Caribbean, with winds of 80 mph. The storm has now leveled off with any kind of intensification, however as Isaias moves over warmer water there could be a window for rapid intensification either tonight or Saturday. This is not want residents along the Carolina Coast want to hear.
However, this appears to be more of a North Carolina storm rather than South Carolina. Impacts are expected to be felt in eastern NC, especially for Wilmington and the Outer Banks. A category 2 is possible right now, but that is just middle ground as the storm could either be weaker or stronger.
High impacts include structural damage to buildings, many trees down, and dangerous flooding. Also, power may be out for weeks. Medium impacts are power outages and flooding, but the winds may not be as strong farther inland, IF this storm takes a more eastward track. However, residents in the orange also need to be mindful of any last-minute forecast changes. Low impacts are a few tree branches down in spots and maybe some gusty winds with any squalls that move inland, along with heavy rain, but nothing too crazy.
Official NHC forecast: Isaias is a hurricane, and is expected to move up the Southeast coast. At this time, the forecast is for Isaias to remain below Major Hurricane status, which is a category 3. This is why we are showing a 2.
The exact point of landfall is still widely unknown, but all we know is that residents along the NC coast should prepare for at least category 2 hurricane conditions. The intensity forecast is a big variable with this one. Reconsider any vacations to the beaches this weekend. And stay with us here at Carolina Weather Authority, also share this article on your Facebook.
-CWA
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