Newport, NC – Eastern North Carolina is preparing for tornado threats as Hurricane Helene approaches landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region tonight.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Newport warns that Helene’s impacts will likely affect North Carolina starting tomorrow. Tornadoes may begin as early as Friday morning and continue throughout the day, moving from west to east. According to the NWS, Helene’s interaction with the coastline increases the risk of tropical tornadoes. These tornadoes tend to develop quickly, leaving little time for warnings.
Helene could also bring rip currents, coastal flooding, and gusty winds along the North Carolina coast. Areas south of Cape Hatteras are at particular risk, according to NWS predictions. While the most significant impacts remain south, residents should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
The NWS advises keeping up with local warnings and updates from hurricanes.gov for ongoing information. Tornadoes may produce localized areas of damage and unpredictable, brief events, heightening the risk for coastal communities.
