Hurricane Michael to Become A Major Hurricane
*Time sensitive material below*
3:00 PM Update: Michael remains a strong category 2 hurricane at the 2PM advisory but expected to become a category 3 hurricane later today. No major changes to the forecast track at this time.
Quick update:
As of Tuesday morning, Hurricane Michael has winds of 110 mph making it a strong category 2 hurricane. Michael is expected to reach category 3 strength later today as it approaches the Florida Panhandle. Hurricane warnings have already been issued for those areas with landfall forecast to occur on Wednesday afternoon/evening.
Although Hurricane Michael will not make landfall along the east coast, the impacts from Michael will be felt from Florida northward towards Virginia, which includes eastern North Carolina. After making landfall, Michael will undergo weakening over land. Right now, it appears that Michael will still be a tropical storm by the time it moves over our area late Thursday and into the overnight hours. We are starting to narrow down some of the impacts to be expected here in ENC.
The probability of tropical storm force winds over the area have been increasing over the past few hours with most of ENC within the 50-60% probability of tropical storm force winds. Areas closer to the coast have the best chance to see the highest winds.
Unfortunately, moisture off the east coast of Florida will lift northwest/northward on Wednesday increasing the chances of rain over the area. Rain and winds associated with Michael will not begin to reach the area until late Wednesday into early Thursday after the ground has been saturated from the rains on Wednesday. This with weakened trees will increase the chance of wind damage across the east.
Due to the speed of the storm, rainfall totals will be roughly in the 2-4″ range with locally higher amounts.
The core of the storm will pass over CNC/ENC Thursday night and lifting out of the area on Friday bringing in much cooler air for our weekend.
There could be some changes to the forecast track over the next day or two so keep monitoring the situation and be prepared for possible tropical storm conditions Wednesday night through Friday. Monitor the NWS in your area for the latest regarding the storm and its impact on the area.