RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Due to the flooding and tornado threats on Sunday from Tropical Storm Chantal, the CBS 17 Storm Team has declared Sunday an Alert Day for central North Carolina.
Between 1 to 2 inches of rain will fall across most of central N.C., with 2 to 5+ inches of rain possible in the highest totals, where the core of what’s left of Chantal comes through central N.C.
Data Saturday has indicated that the Triangle could see significant rainfall totals as the remnant core passes overhead Sunday afternoon. The system is still a couple of hundred miles away, so let’s hope that the bullseye of heavy rain misses our highest populated areas.
In addition to the flooding threat, a tornado threat will develop east of the center, likely along and east of U.S. 1. We saw this happen last year with Debby and Helene, and while Chantal is nowhere near the strength of those two storms, tornadoes are always a possibility with landfalling tropical cyclones.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties along the North Carolina coast.
Some strengthening to 50 mph maximum winds is forecast before Chantal makes landfall early Sunday morning.
