Hurricane Ian is still spinning off the coast of South Carolina, having grown back to Hurricane status last night, and North Carolina is now feeling direct impacts of the storm.

Rain bands started hitting late Thursday night, and for the most part has not let up in Fayetteville and the region.

As of 8 a.m., Fayetteville had reportedly seen about .3 inches of rain, with locally heavier amounts in some areas. Wilmington has seen about 1.6 inches in some spots already. More – lots more – rain is still coming, and much of it will be heavier.

Roadways are already showing heavy rain puddling, and will only get worse as the day goes on. DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH STANDING WATER! Turn around, don’t drown. If you do not need to be out driving today, just stay off the roads.

Also of note, with this much rain falling, and winds gusting up to around 40 mph, there remains moderate risk of trees falling, and power outages. Already in Hope Mills, we’ve seen a tree down on Johnson Street that took out some power early.

Now is the time to make sure your electronic devices are charged, and that you have access to your flashlights, etc. in case of those outages.

Most schools are closed or remote today in our part of North Carolina, because of Ian. You can look at our closures page for more information.

We’ll be updating this page and our social media throughout the day to keep you safe.

• 1. Current Status

  Ian remains a powerful storm, regardless of the difference between the Category 4 storm that hit Florida, vs. the Category 1 storm that will hit South Carolina today.

  Hurricane Ian is still offshore of South Carolina but the rain has already begun. Expect conditions to continue to deteriorate through the morning and afternoon, with the heaviest rain and possible flash flooding expected during the afternoon and evening hours. #NCwx pic.twitter.com/DTS4yLPow4

  — NWS Raleigh (@NWSRaleigh) September 30, 2022

• 2. Rain and Wind

  Our area can expect 4-6 inches of rain throughout the day, and will see gusts of wind possibly up to around 50 mph. We WILL see sustained winds around 40 mph at various times throughout the day.

  Hurricane Ian will produce heavy rainfall, strong gusty winds, and the risk of isolated tornadoes today through early Saturday. #NCwx pic.twitter.com/1RE48wRywR

  — NWS Raleigh (@NWSRaleigh) September 30, 2022

• 3. Rain Field

  As of the 8 a.m. update, rain is expected to impact nearly all of South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

  

• 4. Wind Field

  

• 5. Do Not Underestimate

  As Chick Jacobs pointed out, this storm will not be as bad as Florence, but it’s worth noting how serious the National Weather Service is taking this.

  I think the last time we saw this sort of NWS wording in the FAY forecast was when Florence arrived in 2018. Let me be clear for any concerned: even if the landfall is even further up the coast, Ian WILL NOT be Florence. Not even close in terms of rainfall. pic.twitter.com/9r6AwrN9MC

  — Chick Jacobs (@NCWeatherhound) September 30, 2022

• 6. Landfall Projections

  At least one model has Ian moving a little more up the South Carolina coast before landfall. That will lead to the potential for stronger and more sustained winds around our area.

  The 6z ECMWF has shifted up the coast compared to the 00z run from near Charleston to Cape Romain closer to the model consensus. Cape Romain to Myrtle Beach, SC is the landfall zone. I am going for between Georgetown and Murrels Inlet #Ian pic.twitter.com/y5q04N3EvO

  — Allan Huffman (@RaleighWx) September 30, 2022

• 7. Prepare for Power Outages

  Be prepared if the power goes out:
  🔦 Have flashlights and extra batteries ready.
  📱 Charge electronic devices.
  🍽️ Gather enough water and nonperishable food for everyone in your household (including pets).
  👍 Check that your CO detectors are working and have battery backup. pic.twitter.com/KXN7DWxZQJ

  — NC Emergency Management (@NCEmergency) September 30, 2022

• 8. Shelter Available

  Cumberland County has made a shelter available at Smith Recreation Center if needed.

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