Hurricane Helena tracking: What to expect in the Wilmington area – AOL

With Hurricane Helena on track to make landfall near the Big Bend area of ​​Florida Thursday evening, some impacts are expected in the Wilmington area.

“Due to its large physical size, effects will be felt far from the center of the storm, particularly to the east,” the National Weather Service in Wilmington said in a statement. “Local impacts will include gusty winds, some areas of flooding, isolated tornadoes and unsafe surf conditions.”

As of 8 a.m. Thursday, Helene was a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 100 mph. The storm was located about 320 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida.

more: Before Helena, Brunswick County schools closed Friday; New Hanover belatedly

Here’s a closer look at what to expect in the Wilmington area, according to the National Weather Service:

rain

The Wilmington area will likely see 1 to 3 inches of rain, but higher amounts are possible in some areas. As some areas remain saturated from last week’s storm system, some flooding is possible. The heaviest rain is expected on the night of Thursday and Friday.

TRACK THE STORM:See the latest track for Hurricane Helena

Wind

The main threat will be isolated tornadoes, including dangerous overnight tornadoes late Thursday night. Winds of 30 to 35 mph are possible across the region.

marine

Rough surf and strong rip currents are likely Thursday through Friday. Dangerous winds and seas along coastal beaches.

Be prepared

Hurricane Helena comes on the heels of a storm that dumped 20 inches of rain in parts of Brunswick and New Hanover counties last week. Officials are urging residents to be prepared for additional flooding and impacts as Helena’s rain bands skirt the Cape Fear coast.

“Brunswick County and southeastern North Carolina should continue to monitor the development of this system, especially if there is any diversion to the east,” Brunswick County said in a statement Wednesday evening. “Residents should still keep up with the latest forecast updates and take time now to ensure their emergency plans are in place.”

This article originally appeared on the Wilmington StarNews: Hurricane Helene expected to hit coastal Wilmington, North Carolina