The midday forecast kept Joaquin off the coast but on a close approach, said meteorologist Casey Dail of the National Weather Service office in Newport.
“The forecast (Thursday) keeps it further off the coast than it did yesterday, but we’re still looking at impacts,” she said.
The rain was expected to increase overnight, with widespread heavy rain possible into Saturday.
Models Thursday showed a chance of the heavy rains shifting west of Eastern North Carolina by Saturday and overall rainfall estimates were scaled back to an average 5 inches to 8 inches with localized higher amounts possible depending on the track.
But the rain the area has already seen this week compounds the impact of more rain, forecasters said.
“With an already saturated ground, rainfall amounts of this magnitude could bring flooding to urban and low-lying rural areas,” according to the NWS briefing
Joaquin strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane as it passed over the Bahamas Thursday.
Dail said the Onslow County area will still likely see strong winds, and areas along the immediate coast could see tropical storm force to hurricane force winds based on how close the hurricane tracks to the coast.
“There is still quite a bit of uncertainty. If it stays offshore it could lessen the impacts, per se, but Carteret and Onslow counties could still see tropical to hurricane-force winds depending on the track,” Dail said.
Confidence in the exact track of Joaquin remained low and forecasters urge area residents to closely watch the storm’s track and make appropriate preparations.
“People should take precautions, particularly if you are along the coast, and continue to monitor the forecast,” she said.
Cape Lookout National Seashore initiated its emergency evacuation plan Thursday to move visitors off the islands and has closed its facilities until further notice.
Croatan National Forest announced the closing of its campgrounds, day-use areas and some roads within the forest as of Thursday evening and continuing through the weekend.
Regardless of the track of the storm, the National Weather Service said the coast and coastal waters will be most impacted.
The beaches are expected to see more of what they have already seen from the separate weather system earlier this week: dangerous rip current and high surf and breaking waves resulting in beach and dune erosion.
The north end of North Topsail Beach along New River Inlet has already seen significant erosion and other areas of Topsail Island have as well. Surf Condos in Surf City reported via its Twitter feed that severe tides had swept away both its beach access stairways.
Minor to moderate coastal flooding is also forecasted from storm surge but it was too soon to identify the hardest hit areas or the magnitude of the storm surge.
Gov. Pat McCrory declared a State of Emergency Thursday for all 100 counties in preparation for the weather expected to bring severe flooding throughout the state from two weather system impacting the state.
The executive order waives hour and weight restrictions for truck drivers responding to the storm, which helps farmers and utility crews working to restore power.
Under the state of emergency, North Carolina’s price gouging law also goes into effect to prevent businesses from charging too much in times of crisis.
“We’re hoping for the best, but hope is not preparation, nor is it a plan,” McCrory said.
He said search and rescue teams, National Guard soldiers, Highway Patrol troopers, and Department of Transportation crews are preparing for the weather.
Department of Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin urged residents to gather important documents such as insurance policies and medical records and take steps to protect your property by covering windows, moving vehicles into garages or away from trees and storing outdoor items to keep them from becoming projectiles that can harm property.
The Coast Guard reminded boaters to follow small craft advisories and warnings, secure boats, and be cautious of hazardous materials that could result in spills.
Swimmers are advised to stay out of the water until the storm passes and mariners should be aware that drawbridges may not follow a regular schedule or close during a storm.
Emerald Isle Town Manager Frank Rush clarified questions about the closing of the high-rise bridge to Bogue Banks.
He said there is not a set wind speed for closing the bridge; rather it is according to when conditions may warrant.
The bridge only closes if the town issues a mandatory evacuation order and implements a curfew. Someone leaving the island will be allowed to travel over the bridge, but no one would be allowed back on. Everyone will be allowed back on once an evacuation order is lifted.
Residents and property owners of beach towns should check with their respective towns about re-entry passes should they be needed after the storm.
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