CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – Rain, which could be heavy at times, and the possibility of an isolated tornado will continue Thursday evening.

This rain comes ahead of Hurricane Helene and is approaching landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Update: After 11 p.m. on Thursday, Helene landed in Florida.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds as we head to work on Friday morning, which is why a first weather alert day has been declared. Tropical tornadoes will also be a concern.

• Friday: First Alert Weather Day – The risk of wind, rain and tornadoes is highest in the morning
• Weekend: Starting dry, scattered rain late Saturday into Sunday
• Next week: Drier, more seasonal

Related: Voluntary evacuation order near Mountain Island Lake: What you should know

Main impacts

Catastrophic flash flooding and the possibility of landslides in our mountain and foothill communities are a major concern, and there is a rare high risk of excessive rainfall. There will likely be widespread flash flooding as far east as Charlotte, with isolated flash flooding occurring in our eastern counties.

Wind gusts could reach speeds of 50 to 60 miles per hour, downing trees and causing numerous to widespread power outages. The strongest winds are expected locally Friday morning and a tropical storm warning is in effect for much of the area, including the Charlotte metro.

We also need to be aware of the threat of tropical tornadoes since we are east of the traffic center. Our entire area now has a level 1 and 2 out of 5 tornado risk through midday Friday.

We will share updates live on air, online and in the WBTV First Alert Weather app throughout the duration of the event! Be sure to charge your devices before going to bed and have multiple opportunities to hear alerts!

Helene will have moved out by this weekend and currently only a few rain showers are possible. Dryer, more seasonal conditions will prevail starting next week!

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