Land warning for Tropical Storm Kong-Rey possible on Wednesday: CWA

Storm moving slowly north-northeast

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a tropical storm warning for the coast of North Carolina from Surf City to the North Carolina-Virginia state line. Tropical Storm Kong-Rey is expected to produce heavy rainfall over portions of the central and southern Appalachians and the mid-Atlantic through Wednesday night.

Storm expected to strengthen

The storm is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane by Tuesday night and continue strengthening as it moves near or over eastern North Carolina Wednesday. Kong-Rey is expected to produce heavy rainfall over portions of the central and southern Appalachians and the mid-Atlantic through Wednesday night. The storm's path is expected to turn toward the northeast Wednesday night and Thursday.

Dangerous storm surge expected

The NHC predicts Kong-Rey will produce dangerous storm surge along the coasts of North Carolina and southeastern Virginia. Near the coast, the surge could reach heights of 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels, the NHC warns. Rainfall could produce flash flooding across portions of North Carolina, southern Virginia, and West Virginia and rainfall totals may reach 6 inches.

State officials urge preparation

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency for 22 counties in the potential path of the storm and urged residents to prepare for the storm's impact. Cooper said the state has deployed 100 members of the National Guard to help with storm preparations and response. The storm is expected to bring heavy rains and possible flooding to the state.