Lead Forecaster Daniel Crawley
Good Thursday afternoon, we continue to monitor TS Ian and as it now has exited off the east coast of Florida. This is a fluid situation with some important changes as of the 11 am forecast advisory.
Ian is now expected to spend some extra time out over the Atlantic ocean and because of that the hurricane center is now expecting the storm to re-intensify into a hurricane before it approaches the South Carolina coast line early Friday.
The expectation of a stronger system also affects areas downstream of the path. That includes the western piedmont and Foothills Western North Carolina for Friday and Friday night.
The national weather service has issued a tropical storm warning for the eastern counties in our coverage area: Catawba, Cleveland and Lincoln until further notice.
Wind gusts could exceed tropical storm strength (40 mph) as Ian moves inland late Friday and Friday night.
Once Ian moves inland it will quickly begin to take on extra-tropical characteristics. That means the wind and rain impacts will spread away from the center. The latest mesoscale models are depicting just that as the storm moves up through South Carolina and into the North Carolina Piedmont. Do not be surprised if additional products are issued by the national weather service.
Please secure all loose outdoor equipment, furniture and other items this afternoon in and around the warned counties.