Residents across central North Carolina are bracing for what could be a period of significant flooding, as repeated showers and thunderstorms continue to pelt the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Raleigh has issued a Flood Watch that remains in effect through Tuesday morning, cautioning that flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is a possibility in multiple counties.
The affected areas include a swath of central North Carolina counties ranging from Alamance to Wilson, where conditions are ripe for rivers, creeks, and streams to breach their banks due to the potential deluge. "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas," warned the NWS. Total rainfall amounts are expected to be between 1 to 2 inches, however, localized heavier amounts of 2 to 4 inches could occur in some places where storms linger.
Looking ahead, the risk for flash flooding may extend beyond Tuesday, considering that scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are forecast through Wednesday, which could exacerbate already wet conditions. The NWS also notes the potential for an isolated, weak tornado on Tuesday and Tuesday evening, posing an additional threat for residents in the watch areas.
Community members are advised to stay vigilant and to monitor later forecasts, with the NWS recommending that residents be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. As a precautionary step, the NWS suggests tuning into NOAA Weather Radio or visiting their website for more information. Weather spotters, key in providing ground reports during severe weather events, are also encouraged to report significant conditions in line with Standard Operating Procedures.
The forecast for the coming days doesn't offer much reprieve, as continued instability across the region perpetuates a cycle of showers and storms, with Thursday offering a mere 30% chance of precipitation before a partly sunny Friday. As the weekend approaches, temperatures are expected to climb with Friday night lows hovering around 71 degrees, giving way to a partly sunny Saturday with highs near 89, and a 40% chance of thunderstorms.
