- NC Forest Service warns of increased wildfire risk in western part of state after Helene
- First responders searched for hours after being told two people were swept away in flash flood
- First responders searching for two people caught in flash flood
- Some evacuations lifted as crews work to contain massive wildfire in Bastrop County
- Storm in the Caribbean is on a track to likely hit Cuba as a hurricane
Catastrophic flooding continues in the mountains and foothills
Even as conditions dry out this weekend, lake and river levels will continue to rise.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
Hurricane Helene
Helene made landfall around 11:10 p.m. about 10 miles east of Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 major hurricane (winds 140 mph). By the 5 a.m. advisory, Helene was downgraded to a Tropical Storm. This set up with the predecessor rain event (A P.R.E.) then Helene’s fast push towards the Carolinas will go down in history as one of the most historic weather and flooding events in the history of North and South Carolina.
Record Rainfall
Record rainfall fell in Charlotte Thursday, September 26 with 4.23 inches at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This is also one of the wettest days overall in Charlotte history.
Today
Officially six county’s and the Mountain Island Lake area are under an active Flash Flood Emergency. These will end later this afternoon but many creeks, rivers and streams will hit their crest over the next 24 hours. Many rivers and Lakes (Like James Lake and Mountain Island Lake) are forecast to peak to historic levels.
These will expire throughout the afternoon but some could linger well into the evening. It could be a few days before a lot of this water receeds.
Winds will still be gusty across the area with wind gusts from 25-35 mph to start the afternoon then falling below 25 mph by the late afternoon and evening. Even after the rain clears, stay weather aware with the threat for a few additional trees to fall early to mid afternoon.
There will be some sunshine popping later this afternoon, bringing light to the damage done. Highs in the upper 70s.
The Weekend
Saturday will be the best day of the week! There could be clouds in the morning but sunshine returns in the afternoon. Highs will reach the low 80s with morning temperatures in the low 60s.
A few showers are possible Sunday early but overall, it’ll be a nicer day too. Highs peak in the low-mid 80s.
Raise your Weather IQ
WCNC Charlotte’s Weather IQ YouTube channel gives detailed explainers from the WCNC Charlotte meteorologists to help you learn and understand weather, climate and science. Watch previous stories where you can raise your Weather IQ in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.
Stay connected to the WCNC Charlotte Weather Team:
Contact Brad Panovich at bpanovich@wcnc.com or follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Contact Larry Sprinkle at lsprinkle@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Contact Chris Mulcahy at cmulcahy@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
Contact Brittany Van Voorhees at bvanvoorhe@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Contact KJ Jacobs at kjacobs3@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.