Tropical Storm Nicole could bring ‘excessive’ rain to the NC mountains. What to know
Tropical Storm Nicole could drench Western North Carolina with “excessive rainfall” late this week.
Up to 6 inches of rain is expected in some areas, creating a risk for flash flooding in parts of the mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
Threats of rain and wind start late Thursday, Nov. 10, when the popular mountain town of Asheville could see up to 1 inch of precipitation. Rain is also possible on Friday before skies clear up for the weekend.
Asheville could get up to 3 inches of rain, and as much as 4 inches could fall near Brevard and 6 inches near Boone.
“The entire forecast area will see heavy rainfall, but the highest totals are expected along Blue Ridge Escarpment,” forecasters wrote. “These locations will have the best potential to see isolated flash flooding.”
Though there’s a low chance that the mountains will experience tropical storm-force gusts, gusty winds are expected.
Starting Friday afternoon, storms could lead to powerful winds and a potential for an isolated tornado near the Virginia border. The threat also exists along and east of Interstate 77.
As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, Tropical Storm Nicole was about 60 miles northeast of Great Abaco island in the Bahamas. It packed 70-mph maximum sustained winds and was expected to strengthen into a hurricane on its journey toward the east coast of Florida.
“Nicole’s center is then expected to move across central and northern Florida into southern Georgia Thursday and Thursday night, and then across the Carolinas Friday and Friday night,” the National Hurricane Center wrote.
This story was originally published November 9, 2022 at 9:17 AM.
