Hurricane Ian: What to expect in North Carolina

After making landfall in Florida as a strong hurricane, Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm as of Thursday morning. That didn't last long, though. Once over the Atlantic Ocean, it strengthened and will be a hurricane as is approaches the South Carolina coast. Stronger watches and warnings have also been issued for North Carolina as the state prepares for the remnants of the system.

As of 5 p.m. Thursday, the National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for the Cape Fear area. There's also a storm surge warning in place for the corresponding coast. A storm surge watch has been issued for the Cape Fear River and the hurricane watch has been extended to Surf City.

Much of the state is expected to get 2-5 inches of rain late this week and weekend. More rain, 5-7 inches or more, is possible along coast and in the mountains and Blue Ridge Escarpment.

Residents in the southeastern part of the state are already beginning to see rain and wind gusts, but stronger impacts are expected on Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

In central North Carolina, impacts are expected to begin on Friday. Look for heavy rain, possible flashflooding, strong gusty winds, and isolated tornadoes, especially Friday afternoon through midday Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh. Conditions should begin improving Saturday afternoon.

In the western part of the state, rainfall of up to 7 inches is prompting concerns about flash flooding and landslides.

Track Tropical Storm Ian:Click here

Ian is moving toward the north-northeast at around 10 mph. A turn toward the north is expected tonight, followed by an increase in forward speed Friday night. On the current forecast track, the storm should reach the area near Charleston, S.C. on Friday before the center of the storm moves farther inland across the Carolinas Friday night and Saturday. 

Getting prepared:The supplies you need for a hurricane

Ian has produced damaging and life-threatening wind and storm surge along Florida's west coast, according to the Hurricane Center. The National Weather Service said that North Carolinas should finish preparations today to prepare for high-end tropical storm, or low-end hurricane, conditions.