Nicole to blast southeastern US with rain, wind and severe thunderstorms
Nicole will turn northward, move away from Florida and track across the interior part of the southeastern United States as a tropical depression and eventually a potent wind and rainstorm on Friday and into the weekend, AccuWeather meteorologists say.
The impacts that Nicole will bring are likely to range tremendously north of the Sunshine State of Florida. The storm will deliver beneficial rain to drought-plagued areas, but also life-threatening conditions such as flooding and damaging tornadoes.
After grazing the Gulf Coast on Thursday, Nicole has pushed northward into Georgia, and will remain on a northeastward track through the Carolinas and Virginia into early Friday evening.
 |
Heavy rain and strong wind gusts will race northward well ahead of the storm's center. A large swath of rainfall ranging from 2 to 4 inches will stretch from central and eastern Georgia to the western and central portions of the Carolinas, eastern Tennessee, southwestern Virginia and southeastern Kentucky.
Much of the rain will fall within a six- to 12-hour period and could even occur in six hours or less in some cases. This means that rainfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour are possible, which can cause small streams to rise rapidly and spill over their banks, forecasters say. The risk of small stream flooding is greatest in the Appalachians, where pockets of 4-6 inches of rain can fall and perhaps up to 8 inches. Due to the rugged terrain in these areas, runoff can funnel into narrow valleys and streams, causing water levels to rapidly rise.
 |
Urban flooding is a certainty, especially where fallen leaves clog storm drains. Experts say motorists should be prepared for significant delays and allow travel extra time on the highways and during the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes in cities such as Atlanta and Charlotte and Greenville, South Carolina.
Severe thunderstorms, including the potential for tornadoes, will also be a threat on Friday as Nicole slides northward. The highest chance for tornadoes will be in the Carolinas and southeast Virginia, where atmospheric ingredients will be most favorable for strong, rotating storms.
Forecasters urge people to keep up-to-date with the changing weather conditions and have the means to receive audible alert notifications when they sleep in order to have sufficient time to seek shelter, if necessary.
 |
Even though Nicole will track well inland, coastal flooding and beach erosion from Georgia to the Carolinas may continue until the weekend.
Winds from the south and southeast cause a significant amount of water from the Pamlico and Albermarle sounds to back up into the tidal river systems in North Carolina.
The combination of heavy rain and above-normal tides can lead to flooding in Charleston, South Carolina, into Saturday.
 |
On a positive note, rainfall from Nicole will generally move away from the Southeast by this weekend, which will allow outdoor activities ranging from storm cleanup to sporting events to proceed. Travelers are advised, however, that some roads may remain closed in the immediate wake of the storm due to fallen trees, washouts or ongoing high water.
Chillier air will press into much of the region this weekend in the aftermath of Nicole.
 |
It is possible that rain from Nicole could also greatly wipe out much of the drought that has prevailed across the region as runoff from Nicole's rains will provide a boost in reservoir and lake levels. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions range from abnormally dry to severe in the Southeast.
Nicole will continue to race along across the interior Northeast from Friday to Saturday and will bring similar impacts to that region.
Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
