Life-threatening flooding on North Carolina coast, heavy rain moves into Wake County due to potential Tropical Cyclone No. 8

On Monday, potential Tropical Cyclone No. 8 will bring heavy rains, strong winds and the threat of tornadoes, flooding and power outages to North Carolina.

The greatest impacts of PTC #8 will be felt throughout Monday and Tuesday. According to WRAL meteorologist Chris Michaels, PTC #8 could become Helene on Monday, but the impacts on North Carolina will be the same even though the storm doesn't have a name. Flood and wind warnings are in effect for central NC, and tropical storm warnings are in effect along the NC coast.

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Live updates

12 o'clock: The city of Carolina Beach posted photos of cars with their tires half covered by floodwaters and their back porches partially submerged, writing:

“Carolina Beach is currently experiencing life-threatening flash flooding. Volunteer rain gauges and radar equipment estimate that more than 15 inches of rain may have fallen.”

11:30 am: While it is raining heavily in southern Wake County, Tornado warnings appear closer to the coast, including in Duplin County. Flooding has already occurred in coastal areas. The heaviest rains have been south of the Triangle, but more extensive flooding will occur Monday afternoon.

11am: The National Hurricane Center's 11 a.m. warning shows PTC #8 just off the coast of the Carolinas with winds of 50 mph. The storm will move ashore in South Carolina and head toward the mountains of North Carolina.

Timing and impact of potential tropical cyclone No. 8

Heavy rain at times and wind gusts between 25 and 35 miles per hour are expected in the Triangle Monday afternoon. Flooding, localized storm damage and power outages are all possible.

Due to PTC #8, Monday is a WRAL Weather Warning Day and there is a Level 1 (out of 5) tornado risk from late Monday afternoon into the evening, primarily in areas south and east of the Triangle.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on X that the system could cause flash flooding and minor river flooding in southeastern North Carolina. Flooding and high surf are also possible along the North Carolina coast, the NHC said.

Conditions will improve on Tuesday, with rain and wind possible early in the morning. Showers and storms will become more isolated starting Tuesday afternoon, according to Michaels.

Looking ahead to next week, the low pressure system will weaken, but its impact will persist throughout the week.

“That means there will be a chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms every Wednesday afternoon and evening through Friday,” Michaels said. “Some dry air could arrive just in time for the weekend.”

NC emergency teams on standby

After issuing a WRAL weather alert, state authorities are preparing for possible storm impacts on Monday.

Disaster response teams are ready to deploy from their locations and provide crews, equipment and support to areas, particularly along the coast, where additional assistance may be needed.

Just over a month ago, Tropical Storm Debby lashed the region with strong winds and heavy rains, and even more severe coastal weather is expected this week due to potential Tropical Cyclone 8.

Flooding is often the most dangerous part of a storm.

“Water is one of the most powerful forces on earth. Even a small amount of rain or flood water on a road can have devastating consequences,” said Darshan Patel, Wake County Emergency Management Operations Director.

Patel said the ground was already soaked by this week's rains and flooding could easily occur in low-lying areas.

“We work closely with our partners to assess potential public safety concerns. If risks are identified, we are prepared to take proactive measures,” he said.

Emergency crews are monitoring the condition of roads and power lines. Duke Energy expects possible outages as strong coastal winds move inland and are accompanied by heavy rainfall.

“Mother Nature is a constant challenge,” said Jeff Brooks, a spokesman for Duke Energy. “Wet ground makes it even more difficult to prevent power outages caused by falling trees, but we are doing everything we can to minimize disruptions.”

Duke Energy keeps its current teams on standby and ready to deploy to critical areas if needed.

Although summer is coming to an end, the tropical storm season has only just reached its peak.

“This system has developed quickly offshore and will bring severe weather over the next few days. We could see more storms like this soon,” Brooks said.

To receive up-to-date information on local safety, residents should use ReadyWake, a mobile resource that provides notifications about potential threats in their area.