Hurricane Helene will likely continue to strengthen rapidly as it tracks across the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, taking aim at Florida.
Heavy rain from the storm is already getting pulled to the north along a front into western North Carolina.
Helene is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane Thursday night along Florida's Big Bend coast east of Pensacola.
The storm will then weaken as it tracks to the north through the end of the week.
The forecast cone shows the path of Helene's center of circulation. Helene is a very large storm and will impact areas well outside the cone, including most of North Carolina.
Flooding has already been occurring around the mountains of western North Carolina since Wednesday night.
As the rain continues Thursday and only gets heavier Thursday night, that flood threat will increase.
Rainfall totals up to 18 inches are possible in some mountain communities.
Not only will that create widespread flash flooding, but landslides will be possible.
Travel across parts of western North Carolina will become dangerous if not impossible especially Thursday night and Friday morning.
Flood waters will be capable of sweeping vehicles off of roads, and in some cases roads could wash out completely.
The strongest wind gusts in North Carolina with Helene will likely also occur around the mountains and foothills. Gusts up to 60 mph, along with saturated ground will lead to downed trees and the possibility for widespread power outages.
Other parts of the state could experience gusts up to 35 mph.
Most of the state will be on the side of the storm where tornadoes could spin up. Make sure you have a way to receive weather alerts Thursday night and Friday.
If a warning is issued, be ready to seek shelter quickly. Tornadoes with tropical systems can spin up quickly, giving little lead time for warnings.
A small, interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building is the best place to seek shelter. Basements, closets, hallways and windowless bathrooms often provide the best protection.
The expected impacts from Helene could still change if the forecast track of the storm shifts over the next couple of days. Stay tuned to Weather on the 1s on Spectrum News 1 for updates.
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