Raleigh, North Carolina – Drivers across central North Carolina could encounter flooded roads and rapidly changing conditions by this evening as repeated rounds of thunderstorms bring heavy rainfall to the region, increasing the threat for flash flooding through Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a Flood Watch remains in effect through Friday morning as a slow-moving front pushes south across the northern Piedmont and northern Coastal Plain. Waves of showers and thunderstorms are expected to repeatedly move over the same areas, raising the potential for excessive rainfall and localized flash flooding.
The greatest concern stretches from the Triangle through the northern Piedmont and into the northern Coastal Plain, including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Goldsboro, Henderson and Roanoke Rapids. Storms may produce torrential rainfall capable of flooding low-lying areas, creeks, urban streets and poor drainage locations. Motorists should never attempt to drive across flooded roadways.
The severe weather threat is also increasing. Much of central North Carolina remains under a Level 1 (Marginal) risk for severe thunderstorms, while areas along and immediately adjacent to the Virginia border, including portions of Halifax, Northampton and Warren counties, are under a Level 2 (Slight) risk. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary hazard, although an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out near the Slight Risk area.
Residents should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially through tonight, as storms may develop quickly after sunset when flooding becomes more difficult to recognize. Additional Flood Warnings, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Tornado Warnings may be issued as conditions evolve overnight.
