GREENSBORO, N.C. — As Tropical Storm Elsa races for the Carolinas with a forecast track that hugs uncomfortably close to the Triad, many people are wondering how they should prepare and what to expect.
Well, the tropical system is expected to weaken from what strong winds and heavy rain it brought to portions of Florida by the time it arrives in North Carolina this will lead to a lower magnitude of severe weather threats across the state and especially in the Triad.
Meteorologist Monique Robinson asked viewers to send in Elsa-related questions, early Wednesday afternoon. Check out some of those questions with answers below.
ANSWER: As of Wednesday afternoon, Elsa remains a tropical storm; however, as Elsa tracks across South Carolina, it is expected to weaken to a tropical depression like James has described. The track has shifted westward which will increase the flash flood risk for much of the Triad as compared to what was previously expected.
The risk is increasing because the heavy rain bands that sit on the eastern side of Elsa are shifting a bit more westward over the Triangle and parts of the Triad. Since the storm is expected to weaken, the Triad won't expect to see much more on the way of severe weather threats beyond rain and gusty winds. Other impacts can't be ruled out, but are not likely.
ANSWER: With it being summertime, many Triad residents are concerned like Josey about how weather conditions will shape up along the coast. Fortunately, Elsa is not expected to sit across the Carolinas for long. By Friday morning, Elsa should be north of us in the mid-Atlantic. So, the coastal beaches will have greater rainfall totals, stronger winds and a greater threat for tornado risk, but it moves out quickly. It will be important to pay attention to the rip current risks because rough surf conditions do linger behind systems that cross over the coastal waters.
ANSWER: Tornados are possible when tropical systems move inland, but not a concern for the Triad with this system. Cities east of the storm's center are more likely to be at higher risk for tornados.
Overall, Elsa's impacts will be low to moderate across the Triad.