03/28/2024
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On Tuesday morning the National Weather Service of Wilmington released a new briefing for northeast South Carolina and southeast North Carolina for Tropical Storm Elsa. The briefing includes Bladen County in the potential impacted area of the storm.

The briefing states, “Elsa has emerged north of Cuba in the Straits of Florida.

According to the report Tropical Storm Elsa, just South West of Key West, FL as of 5am with winds of 60mph, is expected to move north near the west coast of Florida over the next day or so. Some strengthening is forecast during this time before Elsa moves inland through the Florida Big Bend. Weakening is forecast as it moves Northeast through the Southeast States later Wednesday into Thursday.

The overview states, Elsa is forecast to weaken to a depression by the time it reaches the Carolinas.

  • No watches or warnings are currently in effect, but that may change soon.
  • Heavy rain across the coastal Carolinas may produce isolated flash and urban flooding Wednesday night through Thursday evening. Isolated tornadoes are also possible. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible late Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon, mainly near the coast and offshore. Dangerous swells will result in a high rip current risk, especially at south facing beaches on Thursday.
  • Conditions should improve by Thursday evening as the system moves to the northeast.
  • Rainfall amounts have increased slightly away from the coast.
  • Storm totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected through Thursday evening.
  • Locally higher amounts may occur, and could lead to isolated flooding.
  • There is potential for a few tornadoes across the area Wednesday evening through Thursday.
  • The final track will play a large role in the tornado threat, with areas east of the center having the greatest risk.

The next NWS full briefing will be by 6pm this evening.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and state emergency management officials are monitoring the forecast track and potential impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa and advising residents in eastern and central North Carolina to be prepared for significant rains and possible flooding.

“Residents and visitors to North Carolina should keep a close watch on the forecast for this storm,” said Governor Cooper. “It’s important that everyone be aware and prepared for rains, and it’s also important to avoid driving through floodwaters.”

The State Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh activated today to monitor the storm. The State Emergency Response Team is preparing to support local governments with any storm-related needs.

“Small changes in the forecast track of a tropical system can mean big changes in storm impacts and rainfall amounts,” said state Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. “That’s why close attention to the forecast for your area is important.”

Officials state, North Carolina residents should be sure they:

  • Have multiple ways to receive weather information from reliable sources.
  • Review your personal emergency plan and know your evacuation routes.
  • Check your emergency supply kit, which should contain food, water, prescription medicines, charging cords, batteries and other essentials to support your family for several days.
  • Be sure to plan for elderly relatives and pets.
  • Make sure your insurance is up-to-date. 

For more information on how to ensure your family is disaster ready, go to ReadyNC.org, which features traffic, power outage and shelter information. Also, check to see if your local community offers an emergency alert service for its residents.

Please stay tuned for updates.

View the briefing slides from the NWS below:

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