Rainy day yields wrecks, flooding in usual places

Low-lying areas in Raleigh and Durham reported flooding Monday afternoon, and the National Weather Service had issued a flood advisory.

The lower level of the parking deck at Crabtree Valley Mall was closed. Employees and shoppers were asked to move their cars to higher ground just before 4 p.m.

In Durham, flooding was reported at the intersection of Alston Avenue Taylor Street, on East Pettigrew at Sowell Street and on Drew Street.

Heavy rain fell in downtown Raleigh during the 3 o'clock hour, and more rain is in the forecast for Monday night and Tuesday. After a brief break, rain returns for Thursday and Friday, WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said.

"Take your umbrella, but take your patience with you, too," Gardner said. "Be careful traveling around. (The storms) are going to impact almost the entire viewing area through the afternoon and evening."

Temperatures climbed past the 70-degree mark by noon Monday. The forecast calls for highs in the mid-80s through the work week before sun returns on Saturday.

"The trough will weaken and drift east some tonight, so rain will become less likely, though still possible, tonight and Tuesday," said WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel. 

The damp conditions could even bring fog for the Tuesday morning commute.