Scattered storms spawn hail, rainbows

The National Weather Service issued several warnings between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., including a flash flood warning for Cumberland County and severe storm warnings for Cumberland, Wake and Johnston counties.

Doppler radar indicated as much as 4 inches of rain falling southeast of Fayetteville. Viewers also reported hail in the area, as well as in Holly Springs.

In Raleigh, a tree came down near Blue Ridge Road, causing a power outage that affected about 800. It wasn't immediately clear whether the incident was weather-related. Rainbows also were seen in Raleigh.

Scattered showers were expected to continue throughout the evening, but that outlook changes Wednesday.

“As we head toward tomorrow, everybody’s going to get in on the act” as a storm system slogs through the region, WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said.

By 2 p.m. Wednesday, the chance of rain surges over 70 percent for most of central North Carolina.

Wet weather will do nothing to cool off the searing temperatures, which reached 96 in Raleigh on Tuesday. Wednesday’s high is expected to be 91 in Raleigh.