Hurricane Idalia devastated parts of Florida and Georgia as it made it’s way up the east coast and into North Carolina. By the time the storm reached eastern North Carolina,
Meteorologist John Elardo with the National Weather Service in Newport says eastern North Carolina will see wintery temperatures this weekend, starting Friday, but he isn’t forecasting a white Christmas.
Keith Byers
The Free Press
As of 10 a.m. according to the National Weather Service in Newport, N.C., Tropical Storm Elsa is wavering near minimal hurricane status with winds at 65 m.p.h. southwest of Gainesville, Fla. and will bring varying amounts of rain and wind to the Kinston area over the next 24 hours.
Tropical storm watches are in effect for Lenoir County according to NWS meteorologist John Elardo, meaning winds near 40 m.p.h. will be possible in the Kinston area with the storm weakening fairly quickly to a tropical depression.
“Right now, the official forecast is a tropical depression moving inland across North Carolina during the day tomorrow west of Kinston. If it remains as a tropical depression wind speeds will most likely not reach tropical storm force. We may have some heavier showers that come through that could maybe have a stronger wind gust with them, but we feel fairly confident that there will be some local heavy rains in the Kinston area tomorrow,” Elardo
How to stay updated on tornadoes in your area
Even before the severe weather hits your area, it is important to monitor a local TV or radio station to listen for information through the Emergency Alert System.
A NOAA radio, which can be purchased at electronic stores or large retailers for around $40, continuously broadcasts necessary weather information.
To receive weather alerts from NOAA on your cell phone use the following steps:
1. Open your settings app and go to the notifications tab.
2. Scroll to the bottom and click Emergency Alerts .
3. Once you have selected to receive them, you will automatically be updated in the case of a tornado watch or warning.