Overview
North Carolina is preparing for another round of severe weather on Sunday as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias move north, bringing the threat of heavy rainfall, flash flooding and tornadoes to communities still recovering from Hurricane Helene two years ago.
Isaias made landfall Friday night as a strong Category 2 hurricane before weakening into a post-tropical cyclone. Although the storm has lost its hurricane structure, its remaining weather system continues to pose risks across parts of the southeastern United States.
- Hurricane Isaias made landfall Friday night as a strong Category 2 storm before weakening into a post-tropical cyclone, with its remnants threatening North Carolina through Sunday.
- Four storm-related deaths were reported in Florida and Alabama, while flash flood warnings and flood sirens were activated in parts of western North Carolina.
- Emergency crews are preparing for heavy rainfall, flash flooding and possible tornadoes, particularly around Wilmington, western North Carolina and central parts of the state.
Authorities have confirmed four deaths associated with the storm in Florida and Alabama. Two people died in Florida. In Escambia County, a woman was killed when a tree fell onto her home. Another man was found dead in his garage, where a generator had been running indoors.
Alabama also reported two fatalities, including one person killed after a tree struck a house in Birmingham.
North Carolina emergency management officials are monitoring the storm’s remnants as rainfall intensifies and the potential for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes increases.
Flash flood warnings issued in western North Carolina
Western North Carolina is among the areas facing significant flooding concerns, particularly communities with a history of damage from Hurricane Helene.
State emergency management officials reported flash flood warnings, flood advisories and the activation of flood sirens in the Chimney Rock area.
The community was among the hardest hit when Helene struck the region two years earlier, leaving infrastructure and businesses facing prolonged recovery efforts.
North Carolina Emergency Management urged residents to closely follow weather conditions and prepare to evacuate flood-prone locations if necessary.
“If you are in western North Carolina, you need to remain weather aware over the next several hours. Enable emergency alerts on your cell phone, sign up for local alerts if you have not done so (you can find links on your local emergency management’s website or at ReadyNC.Gov), and have a plan to move to higher ground if you live in a flood prone area. Monitor local media and the National Weather Service for weather updates,” the agency said.
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding remain concerns for western communities, while Wilmington and surrounding areas could also experience significant effects as the remnants of Isaias continue north.
North Carolina prepares rescue teams for Sunday storms
State emergency crews have been positioned to respond to flooding, structural damage and other incidents as severe weather spreads across North Carolina..
Although much of central North Carolina experienced relatively calm conditions Saturday, forecasters warned that the risk of tornadoes would increase early Sunday and continue into the afternoon.
The possibility has raised concerns in communities that experienced tornado damage during Hurricane Helene.
Rocky Mount was struck by a tornado associated with Helene two years ago, causing extensive damage to local businesses and leaving some properties undergoing repairs long after the storm.
Businesses still recovering from Hurricane Helene
The approaching storm has renewed anxiety among business owners who spent years rebuilding after Helene.
An auto repair shop in the Rocky Mount area was completely leveled following severe damage, while Chinese restaurant Hing Ta remains closed for repairs.
Mexican restaurant El Tapatio reopened approximately one month ago after a two-year recovery process that included rebuilding brick walls destroyed during the previous tornado. Approximately 50 people were in the building at the time, but no injuries were reported.
With another period of dangerous weather approaching, Aguilar said employees have discussed how they would respond if tornado warnings were issued.
Meteorologists do not expect the remnants of Isaias to cause destruction in North Carolina on the same scale as Hurricane Helene. Emergency officials are nevertheless preparing for potentially serious flooding and severe weather, particularly in areas where previous storm damage has increased concerns among residents and businesses.
With tornado risks expected to rise through afternoon, authorities are urging residents to keep emergency notifications enabled, follow National Weather Service updates and remain ready to move to safer locations if floodwaters threaten their homes.
