Storms give light show, create flooding fears

The storms weakened by around midnight but could still cause flash flooding in counties such as Wake, Durham, Orange and Chatham, where they dumped rain at the rate of 3 inches an hour.

WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth said the storms had strong winds – a gust of 66 mph was recorded at the Raleigh airport – in addition to heavy lightning and dime- to nickel-sized hail.

Winds downed trees that fell on a house at 10571 Leafwood Court in north Raleigh and blocked Preston Andrews Road, near Bahama in Durham County. No injuries were reported.

"We have the chance for some more severe storms coming up Sunday and possible Monday. There's a very active weather pattern over the next several days," Wilmoth said.

As it hits a high around 95 degrees, Sunday will see a 20 to 30 percent chance of late-day storms in the Triangle and higher chances in southeastern counties. On Monday, the Triangle will see a greater chance for afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms, up to 40 or 50 percent.

Although the storm chances stay up, the mercury won't rise as high next work week.

"Temperatures will go back towards normal as we get into next week," Wilmoth said.

Highs in the low 90s are predicted from Monday to Friday. If the Triangle tops 90 degrees every day through Tuesday, it would mean 26 days in July of 90 degrees or hotter weather, which would set a new record for the area.