The First Warning Storm Team is keeping a close eye on Hurricane Hermine. This storm will impact our holiday weekend forecast.
First, we’re dealing with some showers and storms that aren’t associated with Hermine, but with a cold front that’s crossing the region. Showers and storms will move out tonight with lows in the lower 70s.
Then, our attention turns to Hurricane Hermine. Hermine will make landfall over Florida, then move up the East Coast Friday through Saturday. Friday, you can expect a mix of sun and clouds to start the day with a chance for a few isolated showers. The rain and wind will pick up Friday evening and throughout the night as Hermine moves closer. North Carolina will see the rain first as it moves south to north. The rain will then spread into Hampton Roads. Rain will be widespread and heavy, especially on Saturday and some areas could see 6+ inches of rain. We could also see winds with gusts 50+ mph, especially along the coast. Since we’ll have strong northeast winds, we’ll have to worry about tidal flooding. High tide at Sewell’s Point on Saturday are at 11:09 am. and 11:25 p.m. On Sunday, high tide is at 11:47 a.m. Hermine will also cause rough surf and a high risk of rip currents.
What to expect from Hermine Friday night into Saturday:
- Heavy rain
- Gusty winds: 50+ mph
- Isolated tornadoes, which are always possible when a storm that makes landfall.
- Tidal flooding
- Rough surf and dangerous rip currents
Depending on the track of the storm, rain could move out of the area late Saturday or early Sunday morning. It’ll still be a bit windy on Sunday, with less wind heading into Labor Day.
Overnight: Mostly cloudy with a lingering shower or storm (25%). Lows in the lower 70s. Winds: N 5-10 mph.
Friday: Sun and clouds to start the day. Then increasing clouds with rain and storms moving in (80%). Winds NE 10-20 mph.
Friday night: Heavy rain and gusty winds. Lows in the upper 60s to lower 70s. Winds: E 15-20 mph, then increasing to near 30 mph with higher gusts.
Weather & Health
Pollen: Moderate-High (Ragweed, Grasses)
UV Index: 5 (Moderate)
Air Quality: Moderate (Code Yellow)
Mosquitoes: Extreme
5:00 PM Tropical Update
Hurricane Hermine is moving to the north-northeast toward the Florida Gulf Coast at 14 mph. Maximum sustained winds are 75 mph. On the forecast track, the center of Hermine will be near the Florida coast tonight or early Friday. We will feel the affects of Hermine Friday night into Saturday. Heavy rain and gusty winds are likely…as well as tidal flooding. A chance for isolated tornadoes, which are always possible with a storm that makes landfall.
Hurricane Gaston is quickly moving toward the Azores. Gaston is 650 miles west of the central Azores and moving ENE at 24 mph. This general motion is expected to continue during the next day or two. On the forecast track, Gaston will be near the western Azores on Friday and just north of the central Azores by Friday night. Maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Gaston is expected to become a tropical storm by early Friday before it reaches the western Azores. Gaston is expected to become a post-tropical cyclone on Saturday.
Hurricane Tracker
April Loveland
First Warning Meteorologist
WTKR-TV News 3
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