A soggy stretch of central North Carolina was put on alert Friday evening as a flood advisory went up across parts of the Piedmont, with forecasters warning that all that steady rain could spill out into low spots and trouble-prone streets.
The advisory, in effect for Anson, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond and Stanly counties, flagged the risk of minor flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. Standing water could make local roads slick and deceptively deep, and officials urged anyone in flood-prone neighborhoods to be ready to move to higher ground if conditions begin to escalate.
What the National Weather Service said
The National Weather Service office in Raleigh issued the advisory at 5:21 p.m. EDT Friday, keeping it in place until 7:15 p.m. for the five central Piedmont counties. According to the National Weather Service, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.”
Doppler radar estimates showed that 1 to 2 inches of rain had already soaked parts of the advisory area, with forecasters warning that another 0.5 to 1 inch could fall over the next few hours, enough to push small creeks and drainage ditches close to their limits.
Where flooding is most likely
Forecasters and local reporting highlighted communities such as Wadesboro, Troy, Carthage and Pinehurst as spots that could see ponding on roads and quick rises on smaller streams. As reported by The News & Observer, the advisory pointed specifically to minor flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas and urged drivers to steer clear of any water-covered streets.
Local public-safety offices typically ask residents to report dangerous flooding, such as rapidly rising water or washed-out roads, so emergency managers and the National Weather Service can better track where trouble is developing in real time.
Safety reminders
Forecasters also rolled out a familiar but crucial warning for drivers: “Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.” According to the National Weather Service, moving water only 6 inches deep can be strong enough to knock an adult off their feet, and roughly 12 inches of fast-moving water can carry a car away.
If flooding threatens your home, officials advise heading for higher ground and following any evacuation instructions from local authorities. Disconnect utilities only if there is time and it can be done safely. Residents are urged to stay tuned to local media and NWS Raleigh updates in case the advisory is extended or upgraded.
