Central North Carolina residents are advised to carry their umbrellas and rain boots as the National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a series of weather advisories, including a Flood Watch that's in effect through this evening due to the high potential of flooding caused by expected excessive rainfall.
Light rain and dense fog set the scene this morning in Raleigh, NC, with a cozy 69°F temperature and humidity sticking at 96%. Giving just 3 miles of visibility, drivers should take extra caution while commuting. According to the update from the National Weather Service, "A chance of rain and thunderstorms" will proceed after 8am, with the chance of precipitation hanging at an obstinate 80%.
Tonight's outlook isn't looking much drier, as "Rain and thunderstorms before 8pm, then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 11pm, then a chance of rain and thunderstorms after 11pm," is forecasted by the NWS. The temperature will dip slightly to a low around 67 with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, "except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms," the service warns.
The warning extends to Thursday, which while mostly cloudy with a high near 79, still brings a 40% chance of precipitation. Small relief comes with the promise of less than a tenth of an inch of new rainfall, though as with every silver lining, higher amounts are possible if thunderstorms hit the region.
Precautionary measures are encouraged by the flood advisory, which notes that minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas may occur. "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads," warns the Flood Advisory, highlighting the common and often underappreciated danger of vehicles getting swept away in flood conditions.
Weather spotters are on high alert, being called upon to report significant conditions as per standard procedures. The flurry of weather activity also includes a Flood Advisory in effect until 10 AM EDT this morning, specifically for Chatham, Durham, Franklin and Wake counties. "Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected," alarmed the bulletin, with accumulated rainfall already between "0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen."
Raleigh and surrounding areas, including Cary, Wake Forest, Apex, and Morrisville are among the locations where minor flooding may transpire. And if that doesn't sound soggy enough, additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches is expected over the area, further exacerbating the potential for minor flooding.
