Bermuda Taking Hit From Nicole/ENC Flooding Update
Update: Nicole hit Bermuda earlier with winds at 115 mph. There were widespread wind damage and knocked out power to 27,000 people. The eye did pass over the island so the entire island felt the impact of the eyewall.
The waters continue to rise in the Neuse River and the Tar River has reached its crest in Tarboro and Greenville and are expected to slowly fall over the weekend. The flood stage will still be in the moderate to major category by the beginning of next week. Some areas already flooded will still take time to clear out. Monitor local officials for word of safe return. More information tomorrow morning.
Hurricane Nicole
8:00 AM EDT on October 13, 2016
Location 31.6 N -65.2 W
Winds: 125 mph Gust: 160 mph
Pressure: 953 mb
Category: 3
Moving: NNE at 15 mph
As of this post, Hurricane Nicole is striking the island of Bermuda as a category 3 hurricane. Nicole’s northern eyewall is making its way onto the island creating dangerous hurricane force winds.
The radar from Bermuda clearly shows the eyewall currently hitting the island. The motion to the NNE will have the center of the eye pass close enough that he island could experience the calm center before getting hit yet again by the eyewall on the other side.
The future of the storm will moving it quickly NE away from Bermuda and out to sea. Unfortunately the storm will have done significant damage to the island which will take a long time to recover.
I can only hope everyone is safe during this major hurricane.
Quick update on flooding in NC:
Some rivers continue to rise this week and into this weekend. The Tar River at Tarboro has crest at hits forecast level and will begin to recede in a few days. The Tar River at Greenville is still rising though it is forecast to reach its crest tonight and into Friday. Even once the waters begin to recede, it will take several days for the river to drop below flood stage. This will continue the long flooding conditions near the river leaving a lot of people stranded from their homes.
It is advised to not return to the areas that were evacuated until officials announce that it is safe to return. Returning to these areas too soon could still put your life at risk.
If you are looking to donate to help the victims of flooding in ENC:
Two donation sites have been designated in the county, for those who want to drop off water, food, diapers, toiletries and so forth.
North of the the river, the site is Mt. Pleasant Christian Church. It’s at 1726 Staton House Road in Belvoir.
South of the river, the site is the Taft Family Offices. It’s on Mills Street in Winterville.
Pitt County officials are recommending people affected by flooding register for federal assistance, which can cover many costs.
If you cannot make it to these locations you can donate to the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Any help you can provide will go to the recovery efforts so that residents impacted by the floods can return to their normal lives.
I will continue to post updates about this flooding situation.