Florence has weakened, but heavy rain remains possible in Virginia

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) -- Hurricane Florence remains a Category 2 storm this morning.

But this doesn’t change the forecast— extensive flooding will occur in the Carolinas. Rainfall totals of 10" to 20, possibly 30" are likely near the coast. Some locally higher amounts are also possible.

Heavy rain also remains a concern across Virginia with rainfall totals of 2" to 5" possible early next week. A few amounts could exceed 5" in the mountains of SW Virginia.

Due to the continued southerly track of the storm into the Carolinas, our heaviest rain won’t fall until Sunday, Monday and possibly Tuesday. You can expect breezy and wet weather to increase Sunday and Monday.

For the Carolinas:

• Florence will make landfall near the SC/NC border in the Wilmington area on Thursday night or early Friday morning.
• Though the hurricane has weakened into a Category 2. The storm surge will be more comparable to a Cat 3 or 4.
• Rainfall totals of 10” to 30” are possible in North Carolina.
• The storm surge will impact the entire Carolina coastline and into Virginia Beach.

The local area:

• Strongest wind blows on Friday and Saturday. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph possible. Power outages can’t be ruled out, but shouldn’t be widespread.
• Most local rain totals through Saturday will be less than 1”. Higher amounts possible in Southside.
• Rainfall of 2” to 5” are possible on Sunday, Monday and early Tuesday as the decreasing circulation of Florence moves across our area.
• Isolated totals over 5" are possible in mountain area of SW Virginia.

While widespread flash flooding is not expected right now, we will be closely monitoring the potential for flash flooding late this weekend and into next week.