The National Weather Service Raleigh Bureau said in its late morning update that Ian, currently a tropical storm at the time, was forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before moving onshore into South Carolina.

Impacts to central North Carolina are expected to begin late tonight and Friday afternoon through Saturday morning is expected to be the most impactful period, with conditions improving Saturday afternoon.

Impacts will include heavy rain, possible flash-flooding, strong gusty winds and isolated tornadoes.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for most of central North Carolina and a flood watch will be issued for all of central North Carolina.

Localized wind gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour will result in some power outages Friday through midday Saturday with the greatest threat across the Sandhills and Southern Piedmont.

Two to 6 inches of rain could result in localized flash flooding of streams, creeks, urban areas and any other areas that are prone to flash flooding with the greatest threat across the Southern Piedmont and Yadkin Valley area.

Near and east of Interstate 95 there is a small risk of level 1 isolated tornadoes Friday afternoon through the evening.

There is also a risk for minor river flooding of the main stem river across central North Carolina which could occur Friday into early next week.

The NWS expects the earliest arrival of tropical storm force winds, mainly in the form of gusts, to be during the daylight hours Friday, making late afternoon through at least midday Saturday to be the wettest and most impactful period for central North Carolina.

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Because of the threat of severe weather the following closings and postponements were announced today:

Halifax County Schools, Hobgood Charter Schools, and Weldon City Schools will be closed Friday.

The Roanoke Canal Trail Half Marathon and 5K scheduled for Saturday has been rescheduled for November 5.

Those already registered will automatically be transferred to the new date.