Wednesday storms plus Helene means potentially catastrophic flooding in western NC

(PINPOINT WEATHER) — An approaching front has been bringing yet another round of rain and storms to the mountains, with possible severe weather and damaging wind, too.

This is why we’re so concerned about potentially catastrophic flooding — as Helene tracks west of our area early Friday morning, at least 10-15 inches of rain could pile up by the time it moves out. Please take any warnings seriously, and never drive through a flooded road!

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Outside of the mountains, rainfall totals drop off to up to 2-4 inches around the Charlotte metro. The foothills could get some higher amounts, and the sandhills will be on the lower end of those totals.

The wind and tornado threat will continue everywhere through Friday morning. Gusts up to 50-60 mph will bring down trees and power lines. Plan for the chance that you could lose power, possibly for a few days.

When is the rain the heaviest? Early Friday morning, after midnight through about 7-8 a.m. It will quickly taper off to lingering showers Friday afternoon and evening. The wind will settle as well.

Stay safe, and we’ll be tracking the storm on Queen City News!

Tonight: Areas of rain and storms. Breezy. Low 71.

Thursday: Showers and storms. Breezy. High 78.

School Closures, Delays and E-Learning

North Carolina

• Catawba County Schools — closed Friday
• Caldwell County Schools — three-hour early release Thursday, closed Friday
• Avery County Schools — closed Thursday and Friday
• Burke County Schools — eLearning Thursday and Friday
• Watauga County Schools — early dismissal Thursday
• Union County Public Schools — after-school activities canceled Thursday, not including UCPS After School Program

South Carolina

• Chester County Schools — eLearning Friday
• Chesterfield County Schools — after-school activities canceled Thursday
• York School District — eLearning Friday
• Clover School District — eLearning Friday
• Fort Mill School District — eLearning Friday
• Rock Hill Schools — eLearning Friday

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