Heavy rain, warmer temperatures on tap for this week
Temperatures will climb throughout the work week -- but with more rain in the forecast and rising river levels, flooding is a concern for several communities in central North Carolina.
There will be a 20 percent chance for rain Monday and a 60 percent chance for Tuesday. With temperatures in the upper 60s both days, highs will be much warmer than they were over the weekend.
WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said the rain will be heavy at times with downpours possible, especially overnight Monday and for the first half of Tuesday.
Anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of rain could fall in the Triangle by Thursday, she said.
The mild weather will be pleasant, but new rain combined with the totals from last week's storms is the concern for areas like Goldsboro, where residents are waiting for Neuse River levels to recede, and Rocky Mount, where an overflowing sewer station in Battle Park threatens the Tar River. More river forecasts.
On Sunday, WRAL meteorologist Peta Sheerwood said the Neuse River at Smithfield was at moderate flood stage (19.39 feet) but should recede before the rain starts again, but the Neuse River at Goldsboro (17.61 feet) was already in minor flood stage and could pose a risk to surrounding communities as rain falls Monday and Tuesday.
According to Sheerwood, counties west of the Triangle will see the most rain, and that's where flooding concerns are the highest.
Johnston, Wayne, Halifax and Edgecombe are under flood warnings until Tuesday. All North Carolina alerts. Excessive rain in Alabama, Louisiana and Georgia will also pose a risk for flooding outside North Carolina.
Track the rain with the DualDoppler5000
Gardner said there will be a short break from the rain on Wednesday as temperatures fall into the lower 60s.
The chance for heavy rain returns Thursday, which could be one of the warmest days of the week, with a high around 69 degrees in Raleigh.
By Friday, rain chances will drop, and the weekend will be brisk and sunny.
