Mike Brennan from the National Hurricane Center provided an update on Tropical Storm Ophelia. The storm has strengthened with maximum sustained winds reaching 70 miles per hour and is moving north-northwest. The forecast includes concerns about hurricane conditions along the North Carolina coast, storm surge warnings for various areas, heavy rainfall, flash flooding potential, and a risk of tornadoes. It's advised to follow local officials' advice and stay informed through official channels for safety.
1. **Time and Location**: It's 5:15 p.m. Eastern Time on a Friday at the National Hurricane Center.
2. **Tropical Storm Ophelia Strengthens**: Tropical storm Ophelia is strengthening, with sustained winds reaching 70 miles per hour.
3. **Satellite Imagery and Hurricane Hunters**: Increased shower and thunderstorm activity observed near the storm center in satellite imagery. U.S. Air Force Reserve hurricane hunters confirm strengthening.
4. **Movement and Path**: Ophelia is moving northwest at 13 miles per hour, with radar showing rainfall across eastern North Carolina spreading into the Mid-Atlantic States.
5. **Concerns for North Carolina Coast**: Concerns arise about the potential for strong tropical storm winds and even hurricane conditions along the North Carolina coast.
6. **Warnings Issued**: A hurricane watch is issued for areas north of Surf City to Ocracoke Inlet. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for a broader coastal region, including the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds.
7. **Wind Impact**: Anticipated tropical storm force winds extend almost 300 miles north of the center, impacting the Mid-Atlantic States.
8. **Storm Surge Warnings**: Storm surge warnings cover the North Carolina Outer Banks, portions of the Chesapeake Bay, and other coastal areas, with the potential for life-threatening inundation.
9. **Rainfall Predictions**: Widespread heavy rainfall is expected, with totals of 3-5 inches (isolated up to 7 inches) in eastern North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia, impacting areas along and east of I-95.
10. **Flash Flooding Concerns**: Flash flooding is a significant concern, especially in coastal North Carolina, Southeastern Virginia, and other areas mentioned in the yellow region.
11. **Tornado Risk**: There's a risk of tornadoes, primarily over the North Carolina Outer Banks, coastal North Carolina, and the Tidewater region of Virginia.
12. **Duration of Impact**: Impactful conditions are ongoing in coastal North Carolina, expected to spread northward into the Mid-Atlantic States and persist into Saturday and Sunday.
13. **Advisory and Safety**: Local officials' advice should be followed, especially in storm surge watch and warning areas. Relevant information can be found on hurricanes.gov and weather.gov.