Hurricane Sally expected to bring heavy rain to the Triangle. Here’s what to know
The Triangle is expected to feel remnant impacts later this week from Hurricane Sally, which is wreaking havoc on parts of the Gulf Coast.
The storm made landfall in Alabama early Wednesday and is causing “catastrophic and life-threatening” flooding in parts of Florida and Alabama, according to the National Hurricane Center. It was 30 miles north, northeast of Pensacola, Florida, at 2 p.m. EDT and moving north, northeast at 5 mph.
Sally is expected to move inland and track across the Southeast through Friday, the hurricane center says.
As it does, the storm is forecast to drench parts of North Carolina, including the Triangle region.
“As the remnants of Sally move east-northeast through the region, periods of moderate to heavy rain will begin on Thursday and will continue through Friday afternoon, before tapering Friday evening,” the National Weather Service says.
Between Thursday and Friday, it could dump 3 to 6 inches of rain across central North Carolina, with higher amounts possible locally, the National Weather Service’s Raleigh office tweeted Wednesday. The hurricane center says up to 9 inches of rain are possible in isolated areas of the region.
“Widespread flash and urban flooding is possible, as well as minor to moderate river flooding,” the hurricane center forecast says.
Triangle counties are under a flash flood watch from Thursday morning through Friday evening, the National Weather service says. Flooded roads and structures are possible in “low-lying areas near streams.”
The area has a 10 to 20% chance or “slight risk” of flash flooding, the NWS Raleigh office says.
“A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts,” the weather service says. “You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.”
This story was originally published September 16, 2020 at 12:07 PM with the headline "Hurricane Sally expected to bring heavy rain to the Triangle. Here’s what to know."
