GREENSBORO, N.C. — Greensboro and the broader North Carolina Piedmont could see periods of rain, gusty winds and a low tornado risk this weekend as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias push north after landfall in Florida.
Forecasters said rain was expected to reach North Carolina early Saturday and move into the Piedmont by midmorning, with showers becoming more widespread through the day. Tropical rain bands can bring uneven rainfall, so totals will vary by community. The Piedmont could see between a half-inch and an inch and a half of rain, with isolated higher totals possible. The highest rainfall totals are expected in the mountains and along the coast.
Winds could become gusty at times as storms move through the Piedmont this weekend. Gusts near 30 mph are possible, with the potential to bring down small or loose tree limbs. Widespread power outages are not expected. After the initial rain shield moves through, lingering tropical moisture could help fuel isolated storms, and a few may become severe.
There is also a low, but nonzero, risk of brief spin-up tornadoes Sunday afternoon, as storms with tropical origins can sometimes produce quick-developing rotation. Officials said high tropical clouds were expected to move into the region Friday afternoon and evening ahead of the rain.
Separately, North Carolina Emergency Management activated support for western counties as the storm moved north after making landfall near Destin, Fla., around 9:30 p.m. Friday. The storm brings the potential for heavy rain, flooding, gusty winds and possible tornadoes that could down trees and power lines this weekend.
Greensboro Fire Department under Chief Jim Robinson is among Piedmont agencies watching local impacts while also supporting statewide flood response. With an ISO Class 1 career department based in Guilford County, city crews remain staffed for local calls even as regional mutual-aid teams stage farther west.
