Weather

Rain will stick around through Thursday

A storm system that sparked a tornado in Sampson County moved out to the east along with the threat of severe weather Tuesday evening.

Posted Updated

RALEIGH, N.C. — A storm system that blew apart buildings in Sampson County moved out to the east along with the threat of severe weather Tuesday evening, but rain will linger over central North Carolina on and off for the next couple of days, WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said.

Dozens of counties were still on the watch for flash flooding, and more rain is in the forecast. Maze said another 1 to 3 inches of rain are possible before Wednesday morning.

"Some localized flooding can't be ruled out," he said.

After a break from the rain mid-day through the afternoon, we'll see rain picking up again tonight and tomorrow.   Totals between now and Tuesday evening could reach 1.5" to 2".   That could cause some urban and small stream flooding.   Keep checking in with us for the latest flooding potential.

Maze said that the rain will taper off overnight and only a few showers will remain for Wednesday's morning commute.

"We'll see some patches of sprinkles or drizzle around daybreak and then some scattered showers," Maze said.

The chance for isolated strong to severe storms returned with the heat of the day on Wednesday.

After another lull Thursday morning, more showers and storms are expected that afternoon as well.

Current forecasts predict that the showers and thunderstorms will clear up just in time for Friday's afternoon kickoff of the WRAL Freedom Balloon Fest.. Skies will be dry and it will be 82 degrees when the festival begins, Maze said.

The dry weather won't stick around for all of Memorial Day weekend. Maze said that Saturday carries a 30 percent chance of rain and Sunday brings a 40 percent chance for wet weather.

7-Day Forecast

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.