Beaufort County Emergency Services is continuing to monitor Hurricane Idalia and is preparing for its potential impact on our region.
Wednesday morning’s update provided us with a few more details pertaining to the timing of our forecasted impacts.
Rain
- Scattered rain will begin to move into our area around 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon with rain likely for all areas of our county by 11 p.m. A steady rain is expected to continue through 2 p.m. Thursday with 4 to 6 inches of rain expected during this time. Localized higher amounts are possible, especially for the southeastern portion of our county to include Blounts Creek, Edwards and Aurora.
- Our heaviest rains are expected to occur between 2 a.m and 8 a.m. Thursday morning. These passing rain bands could be heavy at times, and capable of producing localized flash flooding.
- Rain should begin to exit our area by 8 p.m. Thursday evening, with only scattered showers forecast for Friday.
Winds
- A Tropical Storm Warning has now been issued for Beaufort County.
- Northeast winds will begin to increase after 2 a.m. Thursday morning, becoming sustained between 15 and 20 mph with frequent gusts of 25 to 30 mph. These wind conditions will continue through 10 a.m. as Idalia approaches our area.
- Northeast winds will elevate once again around 10 a.m. as Idalia begins to pass to our south, becoming sustained between 20 and 25 mph with frequent gusts of 30 to 40 mph. These wind conditions are expected to continue through 8 p.m. Thursday afternoon.
- North and northeast winds are expected to remain sustained between 10 and 20 mph with frequent gusts of 20 to 25 mph through 5 p.m. Friday.
Storm Surge
A Storm Surge Watch has been issued for Beaufort County’s waterways. Our coastlines are now forecasted to receive 2 to 4 feet of storm surge between noon Thursday and late Friday morning.
Areas that are vulnerable to long durations of north / northeast winds such as the western shoreline of the Pungo River and southern shoreline of the Pamlico River should prepare for at least 4 feet of surge during this time.
Severe Storms & Tornados
As with many tropical weather systems, passing rain bands can result in severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornados. While severe storms are possible for all of Beaufort County Wednesday and Thursday, areas south and east of Belhaven, Bath and Blounts Creek will be at a slightly greater risk than other portions of our county.
The National Weather Service will be hosting virtual webinars to discuss Idalia’s forecast and potential impacts. Those webinars are happening at 6 p.m. Wednesday and 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Register for all webinars using this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4992893730337289566
