WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — Residents across eastern North Carolina should prepare for a prolonged period of heavy rain and possible flooding on Thursday and Friday.
A slow-moving front that has lingered over the region throughout the week is expected to settle across eastern North Carolina on Thursday and remain in place until at least Friday evening, creating ideal conditions for widespread heavy rainfall.
Forecasters expect 3 to 5 inches of rain across much of the area, with isolated locations receiving up to 6 inches. The prolonged rainfall could lead to flooding on roadways, in low-lying areas, and near streams and creeks, with impacts potentially lasting into the weekend.
The heaviest rainfall is expected to begin overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning as showers and thunderstorms intensify. Rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, or even higher in the strongest storms, could quickly overwhelm drainage systems and create dangerous travel conditions.
Thursday is expected to be the most active day, with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center placing much of the area under a Moderate Risk (Level 3 of 4) for excessive rainfall. Heavy rain will continue through Thursday night before gradually shifting southward on Friday.
Rain chances will linger Friday, especially across southern and coastal communities, while areas farther inland could begin drying out late Friday into Saturday. Coastal locations may continue to see showers through Saturday morning.
By Saturday afternoon, drier conditions are expected to return for many inland communities, with sunshine becoming more widespread on Sunday. Temperatures, which will remain well below normal in the upper 70s to near 80 degrees Thursday and Friday, are expected to climb back into the upper 80s by Sunday.
Officials are urging residents to monitor the forecast closely and prepare for changing conditions.
Drivers are reminded to never attempt to drive through flooded roadways, as it is often impossible to determine the depth or condition of the road beneath the water.
Emergency officials continue to stress the message: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Comments