Sunday – Florence continues to produce widespread heavy rains

Flash flood watches are in effect across much of North Carolina, northern South Carolina, and portions of Southwest Virginia.

DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK

At 1100 AM EDT (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Depression Florence was located near latitude 34.0 North, longitude 81.8 West. The depression is moving toward the north-northwest near 10 mph (17 km/h) and this motion is expected to continue through the day on Sunday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph (55 km/h) with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 mb (29.59 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND

RAINFALL
Florence is expected to produce heavy and excessive rainfall in the following areas:

Southeastern, Central and western North Carolina, far northern South Carolina into far southwest Virginia, Southeastern North Carolina and far northeast South Carolina: Additional 3 to 6 inches of rain with isolated maximum of 8 inches possible with storm total accumulations of 30 to 40 inches likely. These rainfall amounts will produce catastrophic flash flooding and prolonged significant river flooding.

Central and Western North Carolina: far northern South Carolina and far southwest Virginia: Additional 5 to 10 inches of rain, with storm total accumulations of 15 to 20 inches likely. These rainfall amounts will produce flash flooding and an elevated risk for landslides in western North Carolina and far southwest Virginia.

West-central Virginia: 2 to 4 inches, isolated 6 inches. This rainfall will result in flash flooding and potentially lead to some river flooding.

For more information on rainfall totals please see the Storm Summary available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc4.html.

TORNADOES
A few tornadoes remain possible across southeast North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina today and tonight.