Monday is a WRAL weather alert day as potential Tropical Cyclone #8 brings heavy rain, strong winds, and a risk of tornadoes, flooding and power outages to North Carolina.

The greatest impacts from PTC #8 will be felt in the second half of Monday and Tuesday, particularly along the coast. The storm dropped over 15 inches of rain in Carolina Beach, causing life-threatening flooding.

According to WRAL meteorologist Chris Michaels, PTC #8 could become Helene on Monday, but the impact on North Carolina will be the same even if the storm remains unnamed.

Tropical storm warnings were in effect along the North Carolina coast on Monday, where several tornado warnings have already been issued.

Locally, impacts in central North Carolina will not be as severe, but the storm still poses a threat.

A flash flood warning is in effect for Chatham, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Wake and Wayne counties until 9:04 p.m.

In addition, a wind warning is in effect for Chatham, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Sampson, Scotland, Wake and Wayne counties until 2 a.m. Tuesday.

According to Duke Energy’s website, as of 5 p.m. Monday, approximately 3,000 Cary residents were without power.

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Winds picked up in downtown Raleigh Monday afternoon.

Buildings along Fayetteville Street in Raleigh’s City Plaza can act as a wind tunnel, and WRAL News crews saw people having to lean into the wind or cling to their umbrellas

In Raleigh, rain has been falling for much of the day and, combined with local wind gusts of up to 30 mph, the saturated ground has caused trees to fall.

An oak tree fell on Timber Drive, near Crabtree Boulevard, Sunday evening, knocking out power. utility poland. The power outage left more than 100 people in the area without power, many for more than 12 hours.

Local Timing, Impact of Potential Tropical Cyclone #8

Monday afternoon and evening, the Triangle may experience occasional heavy rainfall and wind gusts of 40 to 56 km/h. There is also a risk of flooding, local wind damage and power outages.

Monday is a WRAL weather alert day due to PTC #8 and there is a Level 1 (of 5) risk of a tornado late Monday afternoon into the evening, primarily in areas south and east of the Triangle.

Conditions will begin to improve Tuesday, with rain and wind possible early in the morning. Showers and storms will become more isolated Tuesday afternoon, Michaels said.

Looking ahead to the coming week, the low pressure area will weaken, but the effects will be felt throughout the week.

“This means that there is a chance of scattered showers and storms every afternoon and evening from Wednesday through Friday,” Michaels said. “Some dry air could arrive for the weekend.”

Governor Cooper urges caution

Governor Roy Cooper posted a message on Platform X urging residents to stay safe:

“Severe flooding is affecting southeastern North Carolina as heavy rain continues. We are in contact with local officials and @NCEmergency is assisting coastal communities with their storm response. Stay safe and follow the guidance of local emergency officials.” – RC

NC emergency services are on standby

Government agencies are preparing for possible storm impacts on Monday, after WRAL declared a weather alert day.

Emergency response teams are ready to mobilize and provide crews, equipment and support to areas, particularly along the coast, that may need additional assistance.

Floods are often the most dangerous part of a storm.

“Water is one of the most powerful forces on Earth. Even a small amount of rain or floodwater on a road can be devastating,” said Darshan Patel, operations manager for Wake County Emergency Management.

Patel said the ground is already saturated due to this week’s rainfall and that could easily lead to flooding in low-lying areas.

“We are working closely with our partners to assess potential public safety concerns. If risks are identified, we are ready to take proactive measures,” he said.

Crews are also monitoring road conditions and power lines. Duke Energy anticipates potential power outages if strong coastal winds move inland and combine with heavy rain.

“It’s a constant challenge with Mother Nature,” said Jeff Brooks, a spokesman for Duke Energy. “Drip soil makes it even more difficult to prevent power outages from falling trees, but we’re doing everything we can to minimize disruptions.”

Duke Energy is keeping its current crews on standby and prepared to deploy to critical areas if needed. Although summer is winding down, the peak of tropical storm season has only just begun.

“This system developed quickly offshore and will continue to bring severe weather for the next few days. We could see more storms like this soon,” Brooks said.

For local safety updates, residents are encouraged to use ReadyWake, a mobile resource that provides notifications of potential hazards in their area.

Road closure information is also available on DriveNC, which has added a “Potential Tropical Cyclone” tab to its website. Users can toggle this on and off to see specific impacts this storm will have on the roads.