Since the start of March, North and South Carolina have been under a severe weather watch. These states have experienced rapidly changing temperatures, heavy wind gusts, and excessive rain. The Carolinas had also been advised about wildfire conditions in February. Firefighters continue their work to contain the fires after the blazes started in Horry County, South Carolina.
The Latest Wildfire Update
The Carolina Forest Fire began on Mar. 1st when a Horry County resident spotted a fire behind a house. Later on Mar. 2nd, residents in or near the area were ordered to evacuate by the Horry County Fire Rescue (HCRF). County officials continue cooperating with the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) to track the spread of the fire.
The stateโs National Guard came in with helicopters, dumping water buckets to help contain the fire. They delivered 602,820 gallons by the end of Mar. 4th. The SCFC is currently investigating the cause of the blaze for any traces of human activity. Meanwhile, they declared that the Carolina Forest Fire has been 44% contained and is still raging on 2,059 acres on Mar. 6th.
Tornado Struck Union County
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that a tornado touched ground at 8:34 AM in Indian Trail, North Carolina, on March 5th. The tornadoโs wind speeds were measured at 90 mph, bringing its danger level to EF-1. They were strong enough to uproot trees, knock down power lines, and destroy the weaker constructed buildings in the area.
The tornadoโs path began at Porter Ridge High at 3 East Hemby Bridge and ended at 2 South Fairview at 8:37 AM. A woman in the disaster area told WBTV that the winds sounded like a roar as they went through the area.
The NC Road Floods
Severe thunderstorm warnings followed the statewide tornado warning. At 9:20 AM, WRAL received reports of strong wind gusts knocking down trees in Stanly County. The first alert was reported to have begun in Moore County at 9:30 AM. At the time, 20,069 residents experienced a power outage across North Carolina.
Then, a weather update at 10 AM reported 40 mph winds blowing within the Triangle and Sandhills area. Wake County was suddenly hit by the storm at 12:35 PM, 10 seconds after the tornado warning expired. Minor flooding was reported at Crabtree Valley Mall and Chapel Hill as several storms passed through the area. More flooded roads appeared in Cumberland and Johnston Counties from 2 to 3 PM. According to Duke Energy, over 1,000 people statewide are left without power.
Snowfall Expected in Tennessee-NC
As the high winds continue, meteorologists are tracking snowfall that could occur on the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Winds are expected to blow in the 35-60 mph range in areas above 3,500 feet and at 25-50 mph speeds below the elevation level.
As we learned earlier from the LA Fires this past January, a highly elevated colder area can produce warmer winds. If they interact with any plants in a dry area, a wildfire can occur if there is no recent rainfall. The NWS has advised citizens to take precautions while traveling as firefighters continue to contain wildfires between the Carolinas. To follow the latest wildfire updates, Fire Weather Avalanche is keeping updates on fire locations.
