Live Updates: Hurricane Helene

Updated 9/26, 9:15 p.m.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Raleigh held a press conference late Thursday afternoon. NWS says the main hazards and impacts for central North Carolina will be from flash flooding, downed trees and power outages. They estimate the worst of the weather will move through central N.C. between sunrise Friday through about 2-3 p.m. Friday.

The rain band that is expected to move across the state, particularly during the morning hours Friday, may produce several tornadoes. An isolated tornado can’t be ruled out Thursday evening, but the main tornado threat will still be Friday morning.

River flooding of moderate and higher potential should be mainly confined to main stem rivers west of the Yadkin River basin, with minor river flooding possible east of the Yadkin River basin.

According to Ready NC, Iredell County has just over 3,700 power outages and Guilford County has nearly 3,000.

Flood warnings are in effect for Alleghany and Wilkes counties until 8:45 p.m. Friday. 

Updated 9/26, 2:30 p.m.

Local school districts in the Piedmont and High Country are closing as Hurricane Helene moves through North Carolina.

Watauga County Schools announced plans to close Thursday and Friday due to flooding, road closures and additional predicted heavy rainfall. The district says the Friday closure will be made up later in the school year.

In the Triad, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and Guilford County Schools both announced they would be closed on Friday too. WS/FCS officials say that all extracurricular activities will be canceled as well in order for staff to assess facility conditions.

Surry County and Davie County Schools opted to make Friday a remote learning day. Students should check online for assignments and other communications from their teachers.

State officials say Helene could create treacherous travel conditions and power outages in the mountains and much of the Piedmont.

Updated 9/26, 2:00 p.m.

While Hurricane Helene is expected to weaken as it moves inland after making landfall Thursday evening, forecasters say damaging winds are expected to extend to the southern Appalachian Mountains, where landslides are possible.

The National Weather Service posted lesser tropical storm warnings as far north as North Carolina and warned that much of the region could experience prolonged power outages and flooding.

Based on the anticipated heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds, as well as the projected course of the storm over the next several days, closures began yesterday afternoon of large sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. They extend from milepost 217 to 469.

State officials are encouraging people to postpone unnecessary travel during the storm. You’ll find real-time road conditions at DriveNC.gov.

Updated 9/26, 9:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service is warning of significant impacts of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina mountain counties.

The hurricane is expected to make landfall over the Florida panhandle Thursday night then make its way north through Georgia and western North Carolina.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for most of the mountain counties as far northeast as Yancey and Avery. The weather service says potentially catastrophic flash flooding and river flooding is expected later today and into Friday.

Wind gusts could reach more than 50 miles per hour, and combined with saturated soils will likely lead to numerous downed trees. As a result, power outages are possible. Weather conditions may also lead to brief isolated tornadoes.

A flood watch is already in effect and extends to Ashe, Alleghany, Watauga and Wilkes counties.