March Snows in NC

Here's a look back at recent March snows in North Carolina. Click the images for a larger version.

March 1-2, 2009:

March 16-17, 2005:

March 12-14, 1993:

March 24-25, 1983:

March 1-2, 1980:

Sunday AM Update on the Threat for Winter Weather in the Upcoming Week

Saturday AM Update on Next Week's Possible Storm

Tracking a Possible Storm for Next Week

Mid-week outlook

If you enjoyed last weekends weather, you were not alone! With highs reaching the 60's for the first time this February many folks were buzzing that the end of winter was in sight. Not so fast! An approaching storm from the south will meet up with colder air over North Carolina to bring a rain/snow mix to the Triangle and Virginia border counties for Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night. Snow accumulations are expected to be on the light side as grassy areas could receive up to an inch during the evening and overnight Wed. An updated run of Stormcast wants to intensify this storm off the Mid-Atlantic Coast bringing snow to places like Elizabeth City tomorrow night in to Thursday.

Once this system pulls away on Thursday we're looking at a breezy and cold day as highs struggle to reach the low 40's!

February 12-13, 2010 Snowfall

Here's a look at snowfall totals from Friday night February 12 through Saturday morning February 13:

• Harker's Island: 8.8"
• Jacksonville: 8.5"
• Beaufort: 7.0"
• Hubert: 7.0"
• Morehead City: 7.0"
• Newport: 7.0"
• Wallace: 7.0"
• Burgaw: 6.0"
• Clinton: 6.0"
• Goldsboro: 6.0"
• Atlantic Beach: 5.5"
• Surf City: 5.3"
• Havelock: 5.0"
• Kenansville: 5.0"
• Mount Olive: 5.0"
• Oak Island: 5.0"
• Southport: 5.0"
• Masonboro: 4.9"
• Pinehurst: 4.1"
• Albemarle: 4.0"
• Cary: 4.0"
• Elizabethtown: 4.0"
• Fayetteville: 4.0"
• Hope Mills: 4.0"
• Wilmington: 3.8"
• Clayton: 3.5"
• Lillington: 3.5"
• Lumberton: 3.5"
• Raeford: 3.5"
• Rockingham: 3.5"
• Wilson: 3.5"
• Apex: 3.4"
• Southern Pines: 3.4"
• Fort Bragg: 3.0"
• Laurinburg: 3.0"
• Lexington: 3.0"
• Shallotte: 3.0"
• Louisburg: 2.5"
• Raleigh: 2.5"
• Durham: 2.0"
• Hillsborough: 2.0"
• Oxford: 2.0"
• Pittsboro: 2.0"
• RDU Airport: 2.0"
• Greensboro: 1.7"
• Burlington: 1.5"
• Winston-Salem: 1.0"

Chilly February!

As we entered into the month of February nearly two weeks ago we commented on many broadcasts that most of this month was shaping to up to be rather chilly. So far that has been the case for Central and Eastern NC. The warmest day we've had was a balmy 51 on the 3rd at RDU. This prolonged cold snap has been a dominate feature for not only us, but a large part of the Eastern U.S. Snow has been recorded in just about every community in North Carolina at some point this winter! Just last week the Deep South had snow in places like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. A lot of viewers have been asking if this chilly trend will continue throughout the rest of the month? While long range forecasting can be difficult, it's looking like the second half of February is going to remain below average temperature wise.

The good news is after Monday's expected rain we should see a long stretch of dry weather for the Tar Heel State. One computer model wants to bring a weak system through on or around the 21st. This same model is picking up on what appears to be a potent storm around the 26th. Even though we're counting down the days to the start of spring, it's not time to put away the coats and gloves just yet.

Quick Update

Based on the latest data coming in this afternoon, here's a quick update on the latest thinking for snowfall tonight through early Saturday morning....

Triangle: 1-3" with the lower end to perhaps a dusting around Durham to Chapel Hill and the higher end SE of Raleigh.

Sandhills: 3-4" for an area from Laurinburg to Fayetteville to Goldsboro

Coastal areas: 3-5" just inland from the beaches including Wilmington and Jacksonville. Lower totals right at the immediate coast. There could be a narrow band of heavier snow up to 6" somewhere between Fayetteville in Wilmington. This may come close to areas across Columbus, Bladen, Sampson, and Duplin Counties.

Remember, this is just a forecast. A lot can still change as the storm system continues to evolve. Stay with News 14 Carolina for Weather on the Ones updates through the day and night.

Let us know when you see snow in your area. Send snow totals and pictures to weather@news14.com.

Snow for Late Friday into Saturday?

Snow is back in the forecast for parts of central and eastern North Carolina leading into the weekend. This storm system will be different than most as we expect the highest snow totals to fall along the coast. Look for the snow to begin this evening and continue into early Saturday morning. Sunshine should return by Saturday afternoon.

Latest accumulation forecast

Coastal NC: 2-4" of snow including area around Wilmington, Jacksonville, and Morehead City. Accumulations may be slightly less along the immediate coast. There could also be a narrow band of 4-6" just inland from the coast, but that is not certain at this time.

Sandhills to Goldsboro: 1-3" for areas around Fayetteville to Goldsboro

Triangle to Wilson: Dusting - 2". Durham and Chapel Hill will be on the lower end of that total with no accumulation to a dusting expected. Raleigh may see around 1 to 2 inches with the higher end just southeast of Raleigh.

These forecasted accumulation totals may still change depending on the exact track of low pressure off the southeast coast. Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina and news14.com for the latest updates through the day and night.

Peak Wind Gusts from Wednesday

High winds knocked down trees and caused power outages across North Carolina on Wednesday and even created blizzard conditions in the mountains. Here's a look at peak wind gusts recorded around the state:

• Grandfather Mountain: 95mph
• Jefferson: 61mph
• Cherry Point: 59mph
• Lexington: 56mph
• Swanquarter: 54mph
• Ocracoke: 53mph
• Winston-Salem: 53mph
• Greensboro: 52mph
• Atlantic Beach: 51mph
• Beaufort: 51mph
• Fort Bragg: 50mph
• Goldsboro: 50mph
• Manteo: 50mph
• Jacksonville: 49mph
• Wilmington: 49mph
• Burlington: 48mph
• Newport: 48mph
• Raleigh: 48mph
• Fayetteville: 47mph
• Laurinburg: 47mph
• Lumberton: 47mph
• Rocky Mount-Wilson: 47mph
• Asheville: 46mph
• Cedar Island: 46mph
• Elizabeth City: 46mph
• Durham: 45mph
• Southport: 45mph
• Chapel Hill: 43mph
• Hickory: 43mph
• Kenansville: 43mph
• Concord: 41mph
• Charlotte: 41mph
• Rockingham: 41mph
• Elizabethtown: 40mph
• Oxford: 40mph
• Statesville: 40mph
• Salisbury: 39mph
  

Is the Groundhog's Forecast Correct?

Groundhogs across the country made their forecast for the rest of winter yesterday. The best known groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil from Pennsylvania saw his shadow predicting six more weeks of winter. North Carolina's own Sir Walter Wally did not agree. He did not see his shadow yesterday at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science and predicted an early spring. After last weekend's winter storm, I have heard from a lot of folks that are hoping "Sir Walter's" forecast is the correct one this year. While he supposedly has a better track record than Punxsutawney Phil, it appears Phil's forecast may be the correct one this year.





The one month outlook from the Climate Prediction Center forecasts calls for February with below normal temperatures and above average precipitation in North Carolina. The main reason for this forecast is the continuation of an El Nino weather pattern that we have experienced since the start of winter. Model trends certainly indicate the first half of February will be on the cold side.


A colder and wetter than normal forecast also brings up the question: Does that mean more snow is on the way? It is certainly possible. On average, North Carolina records more snow in February than in month of the year.


Earlier this week several computer models forecast another winter storm to impact North Carolina this weekend. Forecasts have changed since then and we do not expect this storm to produce winter weather across all of the state like last weekend's storm. However, some parts of the state will see winter precipitation with the best chance for snow and a wintry mix in the mountains Friday and Saturday.


In our part of North Carolina, the precipitation may start early Friday morning as a wintry mix from Raleigh to the north and west. This should be light with a quick changeover to all rain during the day. The wintry mix or freezing rain will last longer Friday morning for locations around the Triad. A cold rain will be the big story for Friday in our area with an inch or more possible through Friday night. Light rain showers may continue into Saturday and could changeover to snow flurries from Raleigh to the north. Precipitation totals after the changeover would be very light with little to no accumulation expected except for a dusting possible north of Raleigh and higher amounts possible into Virginia.


There may be yet another weather system to watch for Tuesday of next week. We'll keep you posted. Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina and news14.com

January 29-30, 2010 Snowfall across NC

Click the above image for a larger version.

Winter Storm Coverage: Behind the Scenes

Take a look at these behind the scenes photos from this weekend's winter storm coverage. Most photos were taken by Chief Meteorologist Gary Stephenson.

NC Snow and Sleet Totals from January 29 - 30, 2010

Photo from Durham taken by News 14 Carolina viewer Wendell Hull

• Roxboro: 9.5"
• Burlington: 8.0"
• Catawba: 8.0"
• Chapel Hill: 8.0"
• Cherryville: 8.0"
• Henderson: 8.0"
• Norlina: 8.0"
• Winston-Salem: 8.0"
• Elon: 7.5"
• High Point: 7.5"
• Cleveland: 7.0"
• Durham: 7.0"
• Oxford: 7.0"
• Roanoke Rapids: 7.0"
• Salisbury: 7.0"
• Thomasville: 7.0"
• Hillsborough: 6.9"
• Butner: 6.5"
• Greensboro: 6.4"
• Mocksville: 6.0"
• Youngsville: 6.0"
• Knightdale: 5.5"
• Cary: 5.0"
• Graham: 5.0"
• Pittsboro: 5.0"
• Raleigh: 5.0"
• Wake Forest: 5.0"
• Siler City: 4.5"
• Robbins: 4.0"
• Angier: 3.0"
• Carthage: 3.0"
• Tarboro: 3.0"
• Albemarle: 3.0"
• Sanford: 3.0"
• Wilson: 3.0"
• Dunn: 2.8"
• Charlotte: 2.0"
• Monroe: 1.7"
• Fayetteville: 1.5"
• Southern Pines: 1.4"
• Laurinburg: 0.5" (sleet)
• Lumberton: 0.5" (sleet and freezing rain)

Snowfall Totals

What a busy day it turned out to be on Saturday with snow, sleet and freezing rain all being reported around the viewing area. Here are some totals from around the region.

Raleigh: 5.0"

Durham: 7.0"

Chapel Hill: 8.0"

Greensboro: 5.0"

Fayetteville: 1.5"

Henderson: 8.0"

Warrenton: 8.0"

Clayton: 3.0"

Quick Friday Midday Update

Busy day in the forecast center, so this is a quick update....



Wintry precipitation still looks to begin late tonight. While there may be some light precipitation late this evening, we anticipate it to be more widespread around midnight and continue through most of Saturday.


Accumulation forecast late tonight through Saturday:


North of the Triangle near the VA border: The area including Oxford and Henderson may see between 8-12" of snow. Ther may be a narrow band of over a foot of snow in this area.

Triangle to Wilson: 5-10" of snow and sleet with some freezing rain possible

Sandhills to Goldsboro: While some snow is possible here, the precipitation will be mainly freezing rain and sleet. 0.5" to 0.75" of ice accumulation is possible. That is enough to create power problems and traffic issues.

Coastal areas: Locations along the coast will see mainly rain of over one inch. Portions of Bladen, Duplin, far inland Onslow, and Craven Counties may see some freezing rain or sleet with the rain. We will watch these areas closely for icing problems.

Are you prepared for the worst case scenario? We'll hope for better conditions, but areas that receive snow and/or ice should expect travel to become extremely dangerous if not impossible by early Saturday morning. Icing and/or heavy snow will lead to extended power outages. Just in case, are you ready to be stuck in your location from Friday night until Monday spending a lot of that time with no power? Temperatures in the Triangle and Sandhills may stay at or below freezing until late Monday morning.

Find the latest forecast every 10 minutes through the day and night on News 14 Carolina with Weather on the Ones.

Lee Ringer
Meteorologist
News 14 Carolina

Are You Ready for a Winter Storm?

The latest weather data this morning still suggests a high chance for a winter storm to impact much of North Carolina late Friday night through the day Saturday. It may not seem that way as today's highs reach near 60, but it does look like the ingredients will come together for a significant storm. Today is a good day to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages and travel problems over the weekend.

Much colder air is still set to move into the Carolinas Friday. A storm system producing snow and ice this morning over the Texas panhandle will eventually meet up with the cold air and produce a mixture of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain across the state.

It is possible to see light wintry precipitation late Friday afternoon, but it now appears much of the precipitation may hold off until late Friday night and continue through much of Saturday.

The best chance to see all snow will be in the mountains and near the Virginia border. This morning's update from HPC (see image below) shows areas just north of the Triangle with a high chance of receiving over 4 inches of snow.

Based on the latest model data this morning, I expect to see 6" to 10" of snow north of the Triangle to near the Virginia border. This includes areas around Oxford and Henderson.

In the Triangle, snow will mix with sleet and change to all sleet at times. This should lead to 2" to 6" of snow and sleet accumulation with the higher accumulations on the northern end of the Triangle. Some freezing rain is possible in parts of the Triangle especially from Raleigh to the south. This could lead to about 0.25" of ice accumulation.

Freezing rain will be the dominate precipitation type south of the Triangle around the Sandhills. This includes an area from Southern Pines to Fayetteville to Smithfield to Goldsboro. Around 0.5" of ice accumulation is possible in this area. There could be a narrow band of even higher ice accumulation. We typically see downed trees and power outages with ice accumulations over 0.25"

Locations along the North Carolina coast from the Cape Fear region to the Crystal Coast will see just a cold rain from this system.

Weather weather forecasting is very tricky and these accumulation amounts could certainly be higher or lower. Either way, it does appear a significant winter storm will impact the area. Expect dangerous travel conditions and the possibility for extended power outages beginning Friday night through Saturday.

Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina for the most up to date forecast.

Lee Ringer
Meteorologist
News 14 Carolina

Winter Storm Could Impact NC Late Friday and Saturday

Weather ingredients are coming together for a winter storm to impact North Carolina beginning late Friday into Saturday. Cold air from the north will arrive Friday. That will combine with ample moisture associated with low pressure moving toward the Carolinas from near the Gulf coast late Friday.

Based on the latest data available today, wintry precipitation should begin around the Triangle and parts of the Sandhills by late Friday afternoon and evening. Locations near the Virginia border will likely see that precipitation as all snow and snow should continue in that area throughout Friday night into Saturday morning. Around the Triangle, the snow will mix with sleet and change to all sleet and freezing rain at times.

It is still a little early to speculate on accumulation amounts, but snow accumulations along the Virginia border and snow and sleet accumulations around the Triangle will be high enough to create travel problems Friday night and Saturday. Power outages will be possible. The graphic below from the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) shows a high likelihood for 4" or higher snowfall along the Virginia border. A moderate to high chance is given across the Triangle.


Locations just south of the Triangle may deal with more freezing rain than sleet and snow. This area includes most of the Sandhills and Fayetteville area. Ice accumulations may be high enough to impact travel in this area and create power outages. The graphic below from the HPC shows the high likelihood for freezing rain accumulations greater than a 0.25" across the southern Piedmont and Sandhills of North Carolina.

The Crystal Coast and southeast coast of North Carolina can expect mainly just a cold rain with this winter storm system.

We are still a couple days away from the start of any winter precipitation in our area, and there is still some uncertainty with the forecast. A chance in the track of the low pressure system could cause big changes in the above forecast. News 14 Carolina will continue to provide the latest information with Weather on the Ones updates through the week. Stay tuned...

Ways to follow Haiti Disaster

Like many of you, I cannot get myself away from the images of the devastation of whats happened in haiti. CNN (and I'm guessing there are many other outlets as well) has been doing continuous coverage and of course there's the question of who is on the ground there away from the network cameras tweeting about this, doing citizen blogging, etc.

There is a twitter / CNN page in case you wanted to find a centralized location :
http://twitter.com/cnnbrk/haiti

There are also updates through the US State Department, especially useful for those who have concerns there: http://www.state.gov/

If you want to find a way to donate to help the rescue/recovery efforts, beware of many organizations popping up right now who will gladly take your money and never pass it along to those in need. It always bears repeating that you should use trusted agencies, like the us military, the U.N and the American Red Cross. I've included the Red cross site here:
http://www.redcross.org/

Of course, stay tuned to News 14 carolina for updates on this disaster.

How to Help Haiti

A lot of News 14 Carolina viewers have been asking how they can help the folks suffering in Haiti after this week's earthquake. Our web staff has compiled a list of organizations, many based here in North Carolina, that are looking for your help.

Click to http://news14.com/raleigh-news-104-content/620537/how-to-help-in-haiti for more information.

Afternoon Update

Morning Morning Lows

Monday morning was one of the coldest mornings of our prolonged cold snap. Here's a look at some of the lowest hourly readings from around out area...

• Oxford-Henderson: 12
• Southern Pines: 12
• New Bern: 13
• Rocky Mount-Wilson: 14
• Smithfield: 14
• Elizabethtown: 15
• Fayetteville: 15
• Havelock: 15
• Kenansville: 15
• Louisburg: 15
• Chapel Hill: 16
• Jacksonville: 16
• Raleigh-Durham: 16
• Lumberton: 17
• Goldsboro: 18
• Whilteville: 18
• Wilmington: 18
• Oak Island: 19

Sunday Evening Update

Very cold weather settling into North Carolina for the start of the New Year

North Carolina is about to endure a week, possibly 2 weeks, of very cold weather.

Overnight lows are expected to drop to the teens to 20s for a prolonged period of time. These home heating tips are among those provided by Progress Energy's website:

• Never use a generator indoors. Always follow manufacturer instructions.
• Keep at least one battery-powered flashlight where it can be located easily in the dark. Listen for storm information on a battery-powered radio. Keep an extra supply of fresh batteries.
• Make sure you are adequately stocked with canned goods and bottled water.
• Make sure any indoor heaters, such as wood stoves or kerosene heaters, have adequate ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Likewise, make sure the flue of your fireplace is working properly. Never use outdoor grills in the house.
• Make sure you have adequate fuel on hand for supplementary heating sources, such as a fireplace, wood-burning stove or kerosene heater.


This announcement from the National Weather Service, Raleigh:

A VERY COLD ARCTIC AIR MASS WILL SURGE INTO CENTRAL NORTH
CAROLINA FRIDAY NIGHT... WITH INTENSE COLD EXPECTED THROUGH THE
WEEKEND. LOWS OVER THE WEEKEND WILL FALL INTO THE TEENS. THIS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY GUSTY NORTHWEST WINDS BETWEEN 15 AND 25 MPH. WIND CHILL READINGS WILL DIP TO AS LOW AS 5 TO 10 DEGREES SATURDAY. THIS WILL ONLY BE THE BEGINNING OF A LONG DURATION COLD SPELL WHICH SHOULD LAST WELL INTO NEXT WEEK. OVERNIGHT LOWS WILL DIP WELL DOWN INTO THE TEENS EACH NIGHT.

CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA TYPICALLY EXPERIENCES A COLD SPELL EACH
WINTER IN WHICH CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA FALLS TO BETWEEN 10 AND 15
DEGREES. HOWEVER... THE DURATION OF THE COLD USUALLY LASTS ONLY A DAY OR TWO.

THE EXPECTED DURATION AND INTENSITY OF THIS COLD EVENT WILL BE A
VERY UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE. THE COLD WILL BE NEARLY CONTINUOUSLY
REINFORCED BY A COUPLE OF VERY STRONG ARCTIC HIGHS. THESE HIGHS WILL
PUSH FROM NORTH CENTRAL CANADA SOUTHWARD THROUGH THE CENTRAL AND
EASTERN UNITED STATES. THIS COLD EVENT WILL LIKELY LAST THROUGH
THE NEXT 7... TO POSSIBLY 14 DAYS... IN WHICH LOWS WILL FREQUENTLY
FALL INTO THE TEENS. THIS WILL LEAD TO MANY HOURS OF SUBFREEZING
TEMPERATURES DURING THE NEXT WEEK. A COMPARABLE COLD SPELL BASED
ON SOME OF THE HISTORICAL COLD EPISODES FROM THE PAST INCLUDES THE
LAST TWO WEEKS OF JANUARY 1977.

PREPARATIONS SHOULD BE MADE NOW TO ENSURE THAT HEATING SYSTEMS
ARE IN STRONG WORKING ORDER... EXPOSED PIPES ARE PROPERLY
INSULATED OR COVERED... CRAWL SPACE VENTS ARE CLOSED. CHECK ON THE
ELDERLY TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE ADEQUATE AND SAFE HEATING. IN
ADDITION... REMEMBER THE SAFETY RULES FOR SAFE HOME HEATING. ENSURE PETS ARE PROPERLY CARED FOR. VEHICLES SHOULD BE SERVICED WITH ANTIFREEZE.



January 20-31, 1977, GREENSBORO, NC

Day High Low Average Precip. Snowfall

20 32 17 24.5 T T
21 34 14 24.0 0.00 0.0
22 35 19 27.0 0.00 0.0
23 37 8 22.5 0.00 0.0
24 33 23 28.0 0.10 1.4
25 42 24 33.0 0.00 0.0
26 44 21 32.5 0.00 0.0
27 50 29 39.5 0.00 0.0
28 42 14 28.0 0.01 0.0
29 30 8 19.0 0.00 0.0
30 38 12 25.0 0.00 0.0
31 37 21 29.0 0.00 0.0
January 20-31, 1977, RALEIGH, NC

Day High Low Average Precip. Snowfall

20 33 12 22.5 T T
21 37 9 23.0 0.00 0.0
22 35 12 23.5 0.00 0.0
23 36 8 22.0 0.00 0.0
24 36 18 27.0 0.16 1.8
25 44 23 33.5 0.00 0.0
26 45 20 32.5 0.00 0.0
27 52 31 41.5 0.00 0.0
28 51 18 34.5 T 0.0
29 31 7 19.0 0.00 0.0
30 40 7 23.5 0.00 0.0
31 38 20 29.0 0.00 0.0

Be sure to check with your Weather on the Ones forecast center for updates throughout this cold spell for the latest weather information.

December 18-19, 2009 NC Snowfall Map

Click the above map for a larger image.

NC Snowfall Update

Viewer photo above from Wendell Hull of Durham. Send your weather pictures to weather@news14.com.

Here's a look at updated snowfall totals from around NC...

• West Robbinsville (Graham Co.): 24.0"
• West Asheville: 17.0"
• East Marion: 15.0"
• Boone: 14.0"
• Sparta: 14.0"
• Mount Airy: 11.0"
• Lewisville: 7.2"
• Pilot Mountain: 7.0"
• Roxboro: 6.7"
• Greensboro: 4.5" - 5.5"
• Kernersville: 5.0"
• Burlington: 3.8"
• Henderson: 3.0"
• High Point: 3.0"
• Elon: 2.7"
• Lexington: 2.5"
• Mebane: 2.0"
• Durham: 1.3"
• Chapel Hill: 0.5"
• Morrisville: 0.5"
• Clayton: Trace
• Raleigh: Trace

Friday Morning Update

As of this posting around 9:30am, reports of sleet are coming in from around Charlotte with snow just to the west of Charlotte and up around Hickory. Winter weather is spreading into central North Carolina and any accumulations into the early afternoon should be mainly slushy with temperatures hovering in the mid 30s.

We expect snow or a mix of snow and sleet around the Triangle around midday into the early afternoon. Locations south and east of Raleigh should see mainly all rain, although it may start with just a little sleet. The snow or wintry mix should change to mainly rain around Raleigh by this evening. However, that mix may continue through the evening just north and west of Raleigh. That's why the National Weather Service has upgraded Durham, Orange, Chatham, Granville, Vance, and Warren Counties to a Winter Storm Warning along with locations across the Triad.

Heavier snow accumulations should still come to the northwest of the Triangle with this storm. Around Winston-Salem to Boone and north into Virginia, there may be some pockets of up to a foot of snow! In our area, 2-4" are possible across Durham, Orange, Granville, and Vance Counties. The northern parts of those counties may see more. Areas around Raleigh and Wake County may see just a light slushy accumulation. Perhaps, up to 2" in northern and western parts of the County.

We still think there will be a sharp cut over between just a cold rain and accumulating snow. If that rain/snow line doesn't fall exactly where forecasted, weather conditions could be dramatically different. Stay tuned....

You can keep us informed of the latest weather in your area through the day and night. Send us an e-mail to weather@news14.com.

Update on the Threat for Winter Weather

Some details on the threat for winter winter in central North Carolina are coming together, but uncertainty still remains in the forecast. We're watching low pressure developing this morning in the Gulf of Mexico that is expected to track up the North Carolina coast late Friday into Saturday. We now anticipate the precipitation to begin as early as midday Friday or Friday afternoon and continue into Saturday. This storm will have a sharp snow to rain line, and just 15 miles could be the difference between a cold rain and significant snowfall accumulation. And the track of the low could easily swing that snow/rain line just to the east or just to the west making a big difference in the weather you will see in your neighborhood.

I'll break down my latest thoughts on the forecast by region...

Triangle
Precipitation should start Friday afternoon as a wintry mix or perhaps as all snow, but we anticipate that to change to mainly rain Friday evening. It may change back to a mix or snow as the precipitation ends Saturday. The rain/snow line may be located over the Triangle during the entire storm. That could mean areas Raleigh to the east see very little snow while Durham and Chapel Hill experience accumulation. At this point, a couple of inches is possible across the Triangle with higher accumulations across northern Durham and Orange Counties. Warmer ground temperatures may limit accumulations in some cases unless the precipitation falls at heavy rate.

Granville and Vance Counties (near the VA border)
Significant snowfall accumulation is possible in this area including around Oxford and Henderson as mainly all snow is expected Friday evening, Friday night, and Saturday morning. Travel will likely be impacted in this area.

Wilson, Wayne, and Johnston Counties
The precipitation should mainly fall as just a cold rain in these areas unless the track of the low shifts.

Sandhills
The precipitation should mainly be a cold rain around Fayetteville and Lumberton, but some snow is possible northwest of Fayetteville around Southern Pines and Pinehurst. Some accumulating snow is possible in Moore County.

Coastal areas
Precipitation will fall as all rain Friday afternoon into Saturday. Over an inch of rain is likely.

Again, all of this forecast is subject to change depending on how this low develops and exactly where it tracks. A temperature change just by one to two degrees could drastically change conditions.

Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina and Weather on the Ones for the updates through the storm. We'll be staff around the clock to provide you with the latest information.

Afternoon Update

Wednesday Morning Update on the Weekend Forecast

Some folks around Raleigh commented on the red sky this morning. News 14 Carolina viewer Jim Penny sent us a picture of that "red sunrise" this morning from west Raleigh. The old weather saying goes something like "red sky in the morning, take warning...." So is there warning we need to take from that red sky? There's certainly nothing to be warned about today and tomorrow and we look for clear and chilly conditions. However, by now you may have heard the buzz around town about the weekend forecast...

Through the rest of the week, we'll track low pressure out of the Gulf of Mexico across Florida and just off the southeast coast. If that low continues to track up the coastline of the Carolinas, central parts of North Carolina COULD see snow. The area of interest for this scenario includes points from Raleigh to Fayetteville and to the west. On the other hand, if the low continues to track to the east-northeast, our area would mainly just see some rain showers.

Computer models still give a variety of forecasts this morning, and it's really too early to start leaning one way or the other on those scenarios. The timing on the preciptiation remains uncertain as well. Our original timeframe of interest was late Friday night into Saturday. A few models now try to start the precipitation as early as Friday afternoon.

With each model run that comes out today and tomorrow, we should gain more confidence in the forecast. We should certainly have a better idea on what may happen by tomorrow and Friday. So stay tuned to see if we just see a cold rain or something more....

In the meantime, the folks over at the National Weather Service in Raleigh always do a great job with the difficult task of winter weather forecasting in central North Carolina. Here's their hazardous weather update this morning with more on their forecast thinking....


THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

COLD AND DRY HIGH PRESSURE WILL BUILD SOUTH INTO NORTH CAROLINA THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP OVER THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO ON FRIDAY...TRACKING NORTHEAST ACROSS FLORIDA INTO THE ATLANTIC ON FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY.

IF THE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM TRACKS CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE COAST... THERE WILL BE A CHANCE OF SNOW OR A RAIN AND SNOW MIX OVER THE CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA PIEDMONT. AT THIS TIME...A FAIR AMOUNT OF UNCERTAINTY REMAINS WITH RESPECT TO THE STRENGTH AND TRACK OF THIS LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM. CURRENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE STORM MAY PASS FAR ENOUGH TO OUR SOUTH AND EAST THAT SIGNIFICANT WINTRY PRECIPITATION WOULD NOT BE LIKELY. HOWEVER...IF THE STORM SYSTEM TRACKS CLOSER TO THE COAST...THE CHANCE FOR SIGNIFICANT WINTRY PRECIPITATION WOULD INCREASE.

EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO STAY TUNED TO THE LATEST FORECASTS AND UPDATES THROUGH THE END OF THE WEEK INTO THE WEEKEND.

$$

BADGETT/VINCENT

Watching the Weekend Forecast...

As of Tuesday morning, there is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast for the weekend. Low pressure is expected to track out of the Gulf of Mexico and perhaps just off the Carolina coast by the weekend. However, it is questionable now just how close to our coast that low will track, and that could impact our weather for Saturday and perhaps Sunday. For more on what we're watching for this weekend check out this morning's video blog posted below...

Foggy Monday Morning

News 14 Carolina viewer photo taken by Wendell Hull in Durham of Monday morning's dense fog. Send your weather pictures anytime to weather@news14.com.

Tracking Rain for Tonight and Again for the Weekend

Afternoon Update

Cold Monday Morning

Temperatures dipped into the upper 20s Monday morning making for a frosty start to the week. News 14 Carolina viewer Wendell Hull sent us this picture from his morning bike ride. The low dropped to 27 at the Raleigh-Durham Airport just below the normal of 34.

Ups and Downs Ahead This Week

Wednesday's Rains

There's a picture from a News 14 Carolina viewer in Rocky Point, NC from yesterday's and last night's soaking rains. Most locations in central and eastern North Carolina saw anywhere between one and three inches of rain. The heavy rainfall created some minor flooding issues.

Even though our region spent part of the night under a Tornado Watch, severe weather damage was limited to isolated wind damage reports in Brunswick and Lenoir Counties.

Here's a look at some rainfall reports from around the News 14 Carolina viewing area:

• Wilmington: 2.82"
• Raleigh-Durham: 2.30"
• Cherry Point: 2.02"
• Jacksonville: 1.99"
• Chapel Hill: 1.82"
• Beaufort: 1.60"
• Rocky Mount-Wilson: 1.58"
• Goldsboro: 1.45"
• New Bern: 1.40"
• Fayetteville: 0.96"

Feel free to share your rain reports and weather pictures with us anytime by e-mailing weather@news14.com.

Update from the Storm Prediction Center...

PUBLIC SEVERE WEATHER OUTLOOK
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
0203 PM CST WED DEC 02 2009

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED OVER PARTS OF EASTERN SC AND NC THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT...

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER IN NORMAN OK IS FORECASTING THE POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF TORNADOES OVER EASTERN PARTS OF SC AND NC THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT.

CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO SUPPORT THE POTENTIAL FOR A FEW STRONG AND POSSIBLY LONG-LIVED TORNADOES.

WHILE OVERALL SEVERE THUNDERSTORM COVERAGE IS NOT EXPECTED TO BE WIDESPREAD...THE POTENTIAL FOR A SIGNIFICANT TORNADO AFTER DARK WARRANTS HEIGHTENED SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

TORNADOES DURING THE OVERNIGHT HOURS AT THIS TIME OF YEAR CAN BE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THEY ARE USUALLY FAST-MOVING AND OBSCURED BY RAIN AND DARKNESS.

THE AREAS MOST LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE THIS ACTIVITY INCLUDE

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA
EASTERN SOUTH CAROLINA

STATE AND LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGERS ARE MONITORING THIS DEVELOPING SITUATION. THOSE IN THE THREATENED AREA ARE URGED TO REVIEW SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY RULES AND TO LISTEN TO RADIO...TELEVISION...AND NOAA WEATHER RADIO FOR POSSIBLE WATCHES...WARNINGS...AND STATEMENTS TONIGHT.

..RACY.. 12/02/2009

Update on Storm Threat for this Afternoon and Tonight

Weather conditions are coming together for severe weather to develop across the eastern half of North Carolina this afternoon and tonight. The greatest threat for strong to severe storms will come from Raleigh to the south and east including areas all the way to the coast. There may be a couple of rounds of severe weather starting with strong storms this afternoon across the coastal plain. Another round of severe storms is possible from the Triangle to eastern North Carolina later into the night. Storms may produce damaging winds and tornadoes.

Heavy rains will be possible across most of the state as well. Rainfall could range between one and three inches by tonight. This may lead to some isolated flooding problems.

The Weather on the Ones Forecast Center will be staffed around the clock today and tonight. Stay tuned for the latest weather information available every 10 mintues with Weather on the Ones.

Update on Wednesday's Storm Threat

From the National Weather Service Office in Raleigh --

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY.

A POWERFUL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL DEVELOP OVER THE GULF OF MEXICO TONIGHT AND MOVE RAPIDLY NORTHEAST THROUGH THE TENNESSEE AND OHIO VALLEYS WEDNESDAY NIGHT. IN ADDITION TO HEAVY RAIN...DAMAGING WINDS AND ISOLATED TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH ANY THUNDERSTORMS THAT DEVELOP ACROSS CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING. AT THIS TIME...THE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT APPEARS TO BE GREATEST BETWEEN 6 PM WEDNESDAY AND 3 AM THURSDAY.

SEVERE WEATHER CAN BE ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO ALL HAZARDS OR OTHER LOCAL MEDIA FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR UPDATES ON THE POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE WEATHER WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED WEDNESDAY EVENING. SPOTTERS SHOULD REPORT ANY SEVERE WEATHER THAT IS OBSERVED AT THEIR LOCATION.

$$


and from the National Weather Service Office in Wilmington --

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHEAST NORTH CAROLINA AND
NORTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY.

STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE...MAINLY LATER AFTERNOON WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT. WIND DAMAGE AND TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE. IN ADDITION...RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES ARE EXPECTED. THIS AMOUNT OF RAIN WILL BE ENOUGH TO CAUSE WATER TO POND IN LOW-LYING AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS. RIVERS WILL BE ON THE RISE LATE WEEK AND THROUGH THE WEEKEND.

THE SURF WILL BE ROUGH AND HIGHER THAN NORMAL AND THERE MAY BE SOME MINOR BEACH EROSION WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

TIDES WILL BE HIGHER THAN NORMAL AND MAY APPROACH MINOR COASTAL FLOOD THRESHOLDS AROUND HIGH TIDE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY MORNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE REQUIRED WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

$$
RJD

Threat for Strong Storms Late Wednesday

From the National Weather Service Office in Raleigh --

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

A STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL DEVELOP NEAR THE TEXAS AND LOUISIANA COAST TUESDAY NIGHT... AND MOVE NORTHEAST THROUGH THE TENNESSEE AND OHIO VALLEYS THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF TWO TO THREE INCHES ARE EXPECTED ACROSS CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA WEDNESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT. IN ADDITION TO HEAVY RAIN... WINDS WILL INCREASE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY NIGHT... AND GUSTS OVER 35 MPH ARE POSSIBLE. THERE IS A RISK OF STRONG DAMAGING WINDS AND ISOLATED TORNADOES WITH ANY THUNDERSTORMS THAT DEVELOP ACROSS THE AREA LATE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY
NIGHT.

SEVERE WEATHER CAN BE ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT. LISTEN TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR OTHER LOCAL MEDIA AS THIS STORM SYSTEM APPROACHES.

$$

HARTFIELD

Update on the Winter Outlook

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center released an update to their outlook for winter 2009-2010 this week, and there are no big changes to forecast for this winter. The Carolinas can expect a colder than normal winter with near normal to above normal precipitation.

Recap of Last Week's Storm

Coastal NC residents check on their boat after last week's storm system. Photo submitted by News 14 Carolina viewers David and Lisa Riggs of Straits in Carteret County.

Part of the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida dumped heavy rains across North Carolina. That was followed by a Nor'eastern that formed off the coast producing more rain and gusty winds.

The National Weather Service produced the following maps showing rainfall and peak wind gusts across the state:

Rainfall since Tuesday

As of 6am Friday --

• Swansboro: 9.26"
• Newport: 8.15"
• Surf City: 7.55"
• Greensboro: 6.59"
• Jacksonville: 6.50"
• New Bern: 6.35"
• Elizabethtown: 6.15"
• Greenville: 6.00"
• Oxford-Henderson: 5.32"
• Chapel Hill: 5.11"
• Fayetteville: 4.64"
• Goldsboro: 4.61"
• Raleigh-Durham: 4.45"
• Rocky Mount-Wilson: 4.24"
• Wilmington: 4.15"
• Charlotte: 3.60"

You can share rain totals from your neighborhood and your rain pictures by e-mailing us at weather@news14.com

Rainfall Forecast for Thursday

Additional rainfall expected today (Thursday) from the National Weather Service Office in Raleigh...

Rainfall Forecast from the NWS

Here's an updated look at the rainfall forecast across the southeast through Thursday from the National Weather Service --

Threat for Heavy Rain and Wind

The remnants of Tropical Storm Ida tracking to our south will interact with a front moving through North Carolina to produce heavy rains and gusty winds through midweek. Take an in-depth look at the rain and wind threat in this morning's video blog posted below.

Afternoon Update

Ida Update

Viewer Picture

Neat viewer picture James in Durham sent us this morning of dew on the Hillandale Golf Course

If you ever have a weather photo you'd like to share with us, send it by e-mail to weather@news14.com!

Tracking Ida

Afternoon Update

Dry 2009 So Far in the Triangle....

This week's drought monitor places much of central North Carolina under a moderate drought. The rainfall deficit for Raleigh-Durham now stands at 9.34" for the year. If the Triangle does not see much rain over the next couple of months, 2009 may go down in the record books as one of the driest years on record. So far this year, RDU has measured 26.87" of rain. Compare that do the top 10 driest years for the Raleigh-Durham area since 1887:

1. 1933: 29.33"
2. 1921: 32.09"
3. 1976: 33.71"
4. 1930: 33.92"
5. 1965: 34.42"
6. 1940: 34.46"
7. 1951: 34.52"
8. 2001: 34.78"
9. 1991: 35.46"
10. 1968: 35.60"

One of the reason's the area is behind normal for rainfall this year is the lack of rainfall from any tropical systems. North Carolina picks up a large amount of its average rainfall during the summer from tropical systems that either directly impact the state or from moisture of remnant tropical systems that may impact southeastern United States. A quiet hurricane season will often lead to a drier than normal summer.

There is some evidence we'll be able to make up some of our over 9" deficit. The 6-10 day precipitation outlook from the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) forecasts above normal rainfall for North Carolina. The winter outlook from the CPC forecasts near normal precipitation across the southeast. It appears an El Nino weather pattern will impact conditions across the country this winter. Local research from the National Weather Service Office in Raleigh suggests North Carolina typically experiences above normal rainfall during an El Nino winter.

Thanks to the climate team at the National Weather Service Office in Raleigh for providing the information for today's blog post.

Cold Start to Monday Morning

Temperatures dipped into the 30s across parts of North Carolina early Monday with some frost. Here's a look at low temperatures from around the region --

• Raleigh-Durham: 34
• Laurinburg: 35
• Southern Pines: 36
• Henderson-Oxford: 37
• Louisburg: 38
• Chapel Hill: 39
• Lumberton: 39
• Wilson: 39
• Elizabethtown: 40
• Goldsboro: 40
• Whiteville: 40
• Fayetteville: 41
• Kenansville: 41
• Smithfield: 41
• Jacksonville: 42
• Wilmington: 42
• New Bern: 43
• Oak Island: 43
• Beaufort: 44
• Havelock: 44

Cold Winter Ahead?

Colder than normal temperatures over the last couple of days have people asking about the long range forecast for the winter. Just in time to answer those questions, an updated winter outlook for December through February was released today by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center

The outlook calls for a colder than normal winter for North Carolina and much of the southeast....




and near normal preciptation in North Carolina this winter...


Keep in mind this is a forecast that is made several months in advance. In a winter that's on average colder than normal, there could still be period of mild weather. However, this and other long range forecasts have called for a cold winter 2009-2010.

It is really difficult to speculate if that means a snowy winter is on the way as well. Only time well really answer that question. On average, the Triangle sees about 7 inches of snowfall in a winter. Snowfall amounts during a winter can certainly vary though. Some years the area sees no snow at all. Then there was January 2000 when parts of the Triangle had over 20".

Meet the Weather Team at the Fair!

It's State Fair time again! The North Carolina State Fair opens October 15 and runs through October 25. If you're spending some time at the fair this year, be sure to stop by the Time Warner Cable and News 14 Carolina tent and say hello. Our tent is located near the Dorton Arena. Meteorologists, anchors, and sportscasters will be there during select times!

Here's when you can meet News 14 Carolina meteorologists at the fair --

• Thursday, October 15 6pm - 9pm: Gary Stephenson
• Friday, October 16 12pm - 3pm: Joshua McKinney
• Saturday, October 17 11am - 2pm: Pati Darak
• Monday, October 19 1pm - 4pm: Lee Ringer
• Tuesday, October 20 1pm - 4pm: Lee Ringer
• Friday, October 23 12pm - 3pm: Joshua McKinney
• Saturday, October 24 9am - 12pm: Gary Stephenson

Afternoon Update

No real surprises have taken place today across Central and Eastern North Carolina. We've been talking about a wetter and colder than average stretch of days beginning today through the end of the week. So far, that's on track.

I would agree it's a shock to the system to go from wearing shorts and t-shirts to sweaters and coats in as little as 24 hours! Rainfall totals have been light with RDU International showing 0.06" and Fayetteville with 0.07" since Wednesday morning. These totals will move higher as we go through the next several days, but I think we'll avoid any major flooding concerns.

Here are a couple of interesting images I've gathered...

This is an overall look at what's happening at the surface. Winds are blowing out of the Northeast dropping temperatures into the upper 40s from the Triangle north and low 50s in the Sandhills! The cold air wedge has returned to the region and will persist tonight into tomorrow before weakening by Friday. Now, I'm not saying we'll be done with the rain, but temperatures should rebound just a little bit by the end of the week.

This second image is from the visible satellite of the Carolinas. What we're seeing is exactly what you and I are looking at, just from opposite sides. On the ground we're looking at the belly of a thick blanket of clouds with showers, but from up top we see just how much real estate is being consumed by clouds this Wednesday.

Added Thoughts....

Great blog post from Lee Ringer earlier this morning alerting us to a wetter and COLDER period as we head toward the weekend! I wanted to post some images to show how much rain is possible as well as how cool it may be by Friday. I agree that it's going to look and feel a lot like winter time around here Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in Central and Eastern North Carolina.

What you're seeing here is possible rainfall totals from Wednesday through Friday. There's a good bet the Deep South is looking at another round of flooding from Central Georgia into Northern Mississippi. Specifically for North Carolina the Sandhills to the Coast is in line for the heaviest rain and may receive upwards to an inch or two before weeks end. This will go a long way in denting the drought for the state.

This secondary map gives an indication of afternoon readings we can expect through the second half of the week especially for Friday. If you look at RDU it shows a high in the mid to upper 40s! The last time RDU recorded afternoon highs in the 40s was March 25th of this year. It may not be until early next week before highs return to the low 70s.

Big Weather Changes Ahead!

While you enjoy the sunny and warm afternoon today, you may want to find that winter coat you put away many months ago. Much colder and wet weather is on the way through the rest of the week. The Triangle is 8.5" behind in rainfall for the year, so the rain will be welcomed but it will come with temperatures that are more typical for January than mid-October.

Colder air will wedge its way into North Carolina tonight as a Canadian high pressure system builds to the north. At the same time, a wave of low pressure will track across the southeast. Cloudy conditions and rain from that wave of low pressure will overrun the colder air across the Carolinas. Wednesday morning with start with temperatures in the low 50s. As the rain sets in during the day, look for temperatures to drop into the mid to upper 40s in the afternoon across the Triangle and the upper 40s to near 50 in the Sandhills. The coast will gradually warm to near 60 and the low 60s.

The cloudy, cold and wet weather pattern likely won't change much through the rest of the week. Thursday will be cloudy with drizzle with more rain expected Friday. Once temperatures drop into the 40s Wednesday afternoon, they may not climb above the 40s until Saturday afternoon around the Triangle. The Sandhills may see see highs in the low 50s while the coast will be in the 50s for much of the day on Thursday and Friday.

Stay tuned to Weather on the Ones for the most updates on the big weather changes this week.

Ups and Downs in Our Weather This Week

Tuesday's Rain Totals

Rain totals from across central and eastern NC Tuesday through early Wednesday morning...

• Wilmington: 4.68"
• Southern Pines: 4.13"
• Durham: 3.23"
• North Raleigh: 2.41"
• Apex: 2.15"
• Cary: 1.87"
• Wake Forest: 1.52"
• Raleigh-Durham Airport: 1.45"
• Raleigh (NCSU Centennial Campus): 1.45"
• Sunset Beach: 1.43"
• Jacksonville: 1.20"
• Goldsboro: 0.90"
• Rocky Mt.- Wilson: 0.72"
• Chapel Hill: 0.23"
• Fayetteville: 0.20"
• New Bern: 0.20"
• Newport: 0.09"
• Havelock: 0.04"
• Beaufort: Trace
• Harker's Island: Trace

Some rainfall totals courtesy of http://www.cocorahs.org/

Rain for Tuesday

Evening Update

Soggy Labor Day

A low pressure system tracking up the North Carolina coast made for a soggy weekend along the coast with some flooding reported around Pender County. Here's a look at some rain totals from around the coast --

• Surf City: 10.03"
• Beaufort: 8.07"
• Swansboro: 6.89"
• Jacksonville: 4.79"
• Wilmington: 1.14"

If you have rain totals from your community or weather pictures to share, send an e-mail to weather@news14.com.

Tropical Storm Erika Update -- Thursday morning

Tropical Storm Erika Update -- Wednesday Morning

Tropical Update -- Tuesday Morning

Tropical Update -- Monday Morning

Tropical Storm Danny -- Thursday Morning Update

Tropical Storm Danny Forms

Tropical Update -- Wednesday Morning

Tropical Update -- Tuesday Morning

The next tropical depression or tropical storm could be developing soon. Check out the latest on the tropics in this morning's video blog posted below...

What's Next from the Tropics?

Hurricane Bill -- Thursday Morning Update

Hurricane Bill -- Wednesday Morning Update

Tuesday Morning Tropical Update

Are You Prepared for Tropical Weather ?

We’ve gone from a quiet start to three named tropical systems for our 2009 hurricane season for our Atlantic basin over a very short period of time!

When meteorologists discuss wind speeds of tropical systems and their associated ‘categories’, we’re referring to the Saffir-Simpson wind scale which is used for storms in the Atlantic and eastern North and Central Pacific basins:

• Tropical Storm
Winds 39-73 mph
• Category 1 Hurricane — winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kt)
No real damage to buildings. Damage to unanchored mobile homes. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Also, some coastal flooding and minor pier damage.
- Examples: Irene 1999 and Allison 1995
• Category 2 Hurricane — winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kt)
Some damage to building roofs, doors and windows. Considerable damage to mobile homes. Flooding damages piers and small craft in unprotected moorings may break their moorings. Some trees blown down.
- Examples: Bonnie 1998, Georges(FL & LA) 1998 and Gloria 1985
• Category 3 Hurricane — winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kt)
Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings. Large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly built signs destroyed. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by floating debris. Terrain may be flooded well inland.
- Examples: Keith 2000, Fran 1996, Opal 1995, Alicia 1983 and Betsy 1965
• Category 4 Hurricane — winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt)
More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failure on small residences. Major erosion of beach areas. Terrain may be flooded well inland.
- Examples: Hugo 1989 and Donna 1960
• Category 5 Hurricane — winds 156 mph and up (135+ kt)
Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Flooding causes major damage to lower floors of all structures near the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required.
- Examples: Andrew(FL) 1992, Camille 1969 and Labor Day 1935

While we do not have any tropical system-related watches or warnings at this moment for North Carolina at the moment, it never hurts to have some resources already in your arsenal to keep ahead of the storm:

News 14 Carolina and Weather on the Ones - always a great first start for updates on any changing situations. We are a 24-hour news station, so you can get news/weather information anytime. We have a number of links to the left of the home page, including one specifically for our hurricane season . A new feature on the Weather on the Ones page is our interactive radar . I’ve spent some time playing with it and I’m finding this to be very useful!

Also, Time Warner Cable subscribers can also access information via Carolina On Demand digital channel 1234. By selecting ' Hurricane Season' you can get a number of stories with information brought to you by your Weather on the Ones team of meteorologists to keep you ahead of the storm.


Links to Local / County government Emergency Management related sites - always useful for very localized information for you. Not only links you to various county and state emergency management agencies, but also to sites for NC Department of Transportation, the NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and USACE North Carolina Storm Surge maps and information.

Ready North Carolina - a campaign via the NC Division of Emergency Management (part of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety) that provides residents of North Carolina with necessary print/ video information in English and Spanish to prepare for all types of emergencies.

The website for the NC Department of Health, Safety and Human Services - provides links to many necessary services like the Red Cross and North Carolina State Animal Response Team (SART)

Finally, the NC Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources - provides daily situation reports when necessary.

Tropical Update -- Monday Morning

All of a sudden the tropics became very active over the weekend. Find out the latest on Ana, Bill, and Claudette in this morning's video blog posted below...