Tropical Storm Warning for Avery County until further notice – September 25-27, 2024

Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 70 mph

The wind threat has remained nearly steady from theprevious assessment.

PLAN: The sustained wind should remain less than tropicalstorm force. Conditions may still be gusty.

PREPARE: Listen for any instructions from local officials.

ACT: Ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change.

Little to no additional wind impacts expected. Communityofficials are now assessing the extent of actual windimpacts accordingly.

Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 4-8 inches, with locallyhigher amounts

The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady fromthe previous assessment.

PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential forextreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescuesare likely.

PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extremeand widespread rainfall flooding.

ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to takeaction will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuationsand rescues.

Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow theirbanks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams,creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become ragingrivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage downvalleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides andmudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may becomestressed.

Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiplecommunities, some structures becoming uninhabitable orwashed away. Numerous places where flood waters may coverescape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers ofraging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditionsbecome very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closureswith some weakened or washed out.

Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes

The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from theprevious assessment.

PLAN: Plans should still include the potential for a fewtornadoes.

PREPARE: Keep informed should additional weather alerts beneeded.

ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelterquickly.

The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder theexecution of emergency plans during tropical events.

A few places may experience tornado damage, along withpower and communications disruptions.

Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings,chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations oroverturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off,shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blownoff roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.