RALEIGH, N.C. – Drivers across central North Carolina should prepare for strong thunderstorms and possible flash flooding Saturday, especially along I-40 and other major roadways. Heavy downpours could make travel difficult and raise the risk of dangerous standing water in urban areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, storms will begin developing Friday night and intensify through Saturday afternoon, bringing widespread rainfall across Wake, Durham, and Orange counties. Isolated severe cells could deliver damaging winds, making outdoor events risky and travel hazardous. Residents are urged to monitor conditions, avoid flooded roads, and secure loose outdoor items ahead of the storms.
Saturday’s storms may drop more than an inch of rain in spots, with localized flooding most likely in low-lying neighborhoods and poor-drainage areas. By Sunday, showers and a chance of thunderstorms continue, but conditions should gradually improve into early next week.
Looking ahead, the weather pattern shifts noticeably as the first days of October arrive. Highs will fall into the 70s by Tuesday and Wednesday, signaling a cooler start to October after a stormy weekend. While this isn’t winter air yet, residents will feel a taste of crisp fall weather.
More showers remain possible early in the week, but drier air and more stable conditions are expected by midweek. Warnings may be extended if storms grow stronger than expected.
Five-Day Forecast for Raleigh, NC
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 91. Chance of storms late, 20%.
- Friday: High 87, storms possible by evening, 50% chance.
- Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, high near 79. Rainfall heavy at times, 80% chance.
- Sunday: High 79, scattered storms, 40–50% chance.
- Monday: High near 73, lingering showers possible, 40% chance.
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 78.
- Wednesday (Oct. 1): Mostly sunny, cooler, high near 75.
