Raleigh, North Carolina – According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 2:30 a.m. EDT for northeastern Harnett, southern Johnston, southwestern Wake and central Wayne counties. Emergency management officials reported thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall near Smithfield, where 2 to 5 inches of rain had already fallen. An additional 1 to 3 inches may develop in the warned area, with life-threatening flash flooding already occurring in some locations.
The Hazardous Weather Outlook also highlights a slight risk for excessive rainfall and a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms across central North Carolina. The greatest concern stretches south of Highway 64, where intense downpours could overwhelm drainage systems, flood low-lying roads, and produce isolated wind gusts capable of bringing down tree limbs.
Travel conditions may deteriorate rapidly on Interstate 40, Interstate 440, U.S. 70, U.S. 1 and secondary roads around Raleigh, Smithfield, Goldsboro, Dunn and Benson whenever heavier storms develop. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Most flood-related fatalities occur inside vehicles, and water depth is often impossible to judge.
Rain chances gradually decrease by Tuesday afternoon as highs recover into the middle 80s. Sunshine returns Wednesday with temperatures near 92 degrees, followed by 97-degree heat Thursday and Friday. The shift from flooding concerns to dangerous summer heat will create another round of weather impacts for central North Carolina.
Five-Day Forecast for Raleigh, NC
- Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. High 79°F. Rain chance 60%.
- Monday Night: Chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low 66°F. Rain chance 50%.
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 86°F. Rain chance 20%.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy. Low 69°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny. High 92°F.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear. Low 73°F.
- Thursday: Sunny and hot. High 97°F.
