Tracking Hurricane Florence: How the storm will impact Raleigh, Fayetteville and more

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) —

As Hurricane Florence approaches, there are a lot of questions regarding how bad it will get in the Triangle and Sandhills.
Florence has been a unique storm, to say the least. We will see a lack of steering, which helps to guide hurricane along, and that makes the track of Florence uncertain after landfall.

Despite the uncertainty about where the center tracks, heavy rain, and gusty winds are likely in central North Carolina. Some of the overnight models are now pulling the heavier rain back to the North.

Downloading the ABC11 app is the best way to stay up-to-date on the latest conditions from Hurricane Florence.

At this point, folks still should be preparing for gusty winds and a major flood event.

Here’s what to expect in each area:

BEST CASE SCENARIO

The models hover Florence near the coast for a few days and then move it southwest through South Carolina.

If Florence tracks far south the Triangle will see lower rainfall totals, but the Sandhills will still have to deal with heavy rain. The European rain model shows the “best case” scenario for central North Carolina.

In this case, the Triangle would get about 2-4 inches of rain, while the Sandhills would get 6-8 inches with locally heavier amounts through Tuesday.

With Florence being so big, even with this south track, tornadoes and gusty winds will still be possible especially south and east of Raleigh.

WORST CASE SCENARIO

If Florence tracks north, dangerous flooding will be a major issue all across the area. The GFS Rainfall map through Tuesday shows heavier rain headed in.

A northern track would dump about 5-10 inches of rain across central North Carolina. Southern parts of the Sandhills could get 10-15 inches of rain.

Wind gusts of more than 50 mph could cause power outages and tree damage, especially SE of Raleigh.

BOTTOM LINE

Florence is a big storm. Remember impacts from a hurricane can be felt well outside the center.