HURRICANE ARTHUR UPDATE
7-3-14 4:00 PM
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HERE’S WHAT WE CAN EXPECT AS ARTHUR APPROACHES SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA…
The National Weather Service continues a TROPICAL STORM WARNING for the coastal counties of southeastern North Carolina – including Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender. A HURRICANE WATCH has also been issued as a precautionary for Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender Counties. *
As of 2 p.m. Thursday, Arthur was moving north-northeast near 13 mph. The storm is about 70 miles south-southwest of Cape Fear, and featured maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (mainly east of its center). The storm has a minimum central pressure of 980 mb and spiral rain bands (most concentrated east of its center).
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SYSTEM: Access to warm water will likely allow Arthur to maintain strength or gradually strengthen through Thursday. Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure will likely guide the system just east of the Cape Fear Region Thursday night – but it will be a very close call! In any case, it’ll be a fast-mover and will certainly not linger for the holiday weekend!
THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Keep secure loose items! Arthur will approach with increasing squalls (localized flooding and thunder and lightning possible). South and east winds will grow to 20mph speeds (30+ gusts) well inland and to 40mph speeds (60+ gusts possible) closer to the immediate coast. Beachgoers may also expect heavy surf and dangerous rip currents. Stay weather-aware and monitor our forecasts in case of changes!
THURSDAY NIGHT: Arthur makes its closest pass with scattered rain squalls. North winds will flow around 20mph (30+ gusts) well inland and 40mph (60+ gusts possible) closer to the immediate coast. Expect continued very heavy surf. High tide of note: around 1am Friday. Stay weather-aware and monitor our forecasts in case of changes!