WAYNE COUNTY — Only some renegade showers remained over North Carolina Friday, as this week's big storm pulled out to sea. But, while the rain has come to an end, the potential for flooding remains along some rivers.

Tributaries and streams in areas around the Neuse River in Wayne County have receded slightly, but hydrologists say that the drop is due to the fact that those streams are feeding their water into the Neuse. That will result in a crest along the river sometime Saturday.

The flooding won't be as severe as that which Hurricane Fran brought in 1996, but the North Carolina National Guard is being mobilized. Medical supplies are being readied, according to Sergeant Chris Hazelton.

The excess water may be a big inconvenience to folks, but environmental health experts warn that it can also be unhealthy. Wayne County Environmental Health Director Roxanne Frederick says that you should treat all flood water as though it were contaminated.

Good news about the weekend's Neuse River crest -- it won't be as high as forecasters originally expected. They project that the river will crest at around 22 feet, and not the 24 feet they expected yesterday.