With the eye of Hurricane Matthew forecast to remain off the coast of North Carolina, significant impacts to southeastern North Carolina are still expected, according to the National Weather Service.
Bladen County Emergency Management Director Bradley Kinlaw said residents need to continue with their preparations for this storm.
“The winds will be within Tropical Storm force Saturday night and into Sunday,” said Kinlaw.
He said forecasters have also increased the rainfall amount to range from 6 to 8 inches and some localized areas potentially receiving more.
“We definitely are expecting something similar to what we saw with Tropical Storm Hermine a few weeks ago,” said Kinlaw.
He said rainfall is predicted to begin on Friday morning and increase throughout the day. Kinlaw said residents can also expect downed trees and sporadic power outages during the storm.
Kinlaw said that emergency officials do expect to see some yards flooded and some streets may be flooded as well during the storm. The National Weather Service advises if you encounter flooded roadways, turn around and do not attempt to cross flooded roads.
The National Weather Service and Emergency Management officials warn residents that if they are considering evacuating, they need to go ahead and make their plans and do so now, before the storm arrives.
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