What to expect in High Point area with Hurricane Florence

Sept. 10--HIGH POINT -- The High Point area could see tropical storm force winds and heavy rainfall in the coming days as Hurricane Florence approaches, according to weather forecasters.

Impacts from the Category 4 storm, which is on track to make landfall in the Carolinas later this week, could be felt locally as soon as Thursday morning.

Rainfall and potential flooding from the storm are the biggest threats to the High Point area, forecasters said.

The Triad can expect seven to 10 inches of rain through the weekend, according to estimates Monday from the National Weather Service.

"The rain totals are pretty variable, and, certainly we could see higher amounts, especially if the track takes a more westerly shift and heads down toward the North Carolina/South Carolina border," said Ryan Ellis, a National Weather Service meteorologist based in Raleigh.

"Certainly, there could be impacts from wind, but the flooding and rainfall for (the High Point) area would be the main concern."

Tropical storm force winds, which blow at sustained rates of at least 39 mph, combined with flooding, could cause downed branches, trees and power lines, forecasters said.

"When you get as far inland as High Point is, the winds are not as big of a problem," Ellis said. "However, if you've got a ton of rain and then on top of that, you still have tropical storm force winds, you could still have a lot of uprooted trees and power outages, for sure."

High Point Deputy Fire Chief Tim Wright said local emergency responders are ready for the storm.

If worst-case scenario rainfall totals come about, it could have major impacts, he said.

"We're looking at a lot of rain and it's going to have to go somewhere," Wright said. "We don't have a lot of rivers around here, but if we get a foot-plus of rain, that's not something people are used to. Don't drive through standing water. It doesn't take much water to lift a car. And with the ground already wet, trees falling on to power lines is a concern. I would just tell people to be prepared -- get your food and water and get everything ready."

Officials advised residents to have their hurricane preparations completed by Wednesday evening.

Ellis said the storm's exact path and how far inland it might travel remained uncertain. A strong system over the Midwest could slow the storm down as it comes on shore and bring more rain, and as high pressure over the Atlantic Ocean evolves, it could make the hurricane's track waver, he said.

In general, if the storm tracks more toward the Outer Banks, that could decrease the rain and wind impacts in the High Point area, he said.

If the track moves to the south, that could bring more volatile weather, including a possible tornado threat, to the Triad, Ellis said.

N.C. Emergency Management offers tips on how to prepare for Hurricane Florence:

Gather your emergency supply kits with enough bottled water and non-perishable food to sustain each family member for three to seven days. Include a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, toiletries, change of clothes, blankets or sleeping bag, rain gear and appropriate footwear. Also include cell phone charger, prescription medicines, copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.

Know your evacuation route, and find out where friends and loved ones will be and how to get in touch with them.

Plan for your pets. Gather supplies for your pets and put them in an easily-accessible container.

Prepare your home. Clean out gutters and clear property of debris that could damage buildings in strong winds.

Stay tuned to local news for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center (NHC), as well as state and local emergency management officials.

[email protected] -- 336-888-3531

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