Joaquin

Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 12:30 AM EDT

Hurricane JOAQUIN is located approximately 700 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras.  Maximum sustained winds are 125 MPH with higher gusts.  Movement is to the northeast at 13 MPH.  The general motion of the storm should continue with a gradual increase in forward speed over the next 2 days.  JOAQUIN poses no direct threat to North Carolina, but strong onshore winds from the storm are causing minor to moderate coastal flooding, high seas, heavy surf, significant beach erosion, & the possibility of overwash (Outer Banks).

The heaviest rains on Friday were mainly over southeastern North Carolina - preliminary estimates indicate between 6” to 12” of rain possibly fell in some locations.  Rains will diminish today across much of eastern and central NC.  The mountains, however, will likely see between 1.5” to 7” of rain with some locations near the NC/SC border receiving up to 10”.  On Sunday and Monday, the forecast puts the heaviest rain back over southeastern NC where an additional 4” to 10” of rain could be added to the event total.  Please continue to monitor the National Weather Service website, NOAA Weather Radio, and local broadcast media for the latest rainfall forecasts and flooding information for your area.