'Treat this like a tropical storm;' flooding danger builds through afternoon

By WRAL Severe Weather Center

Raleigh, N.C. — Up to 10 inches or rain fell over the past 24 hours in some parts of central North Carolina, and high water closed more than 150 roads for some part of the day, according to Department of Transportation spokesman Jamie Kritzer.

Even as the heaviest showers move out – to the east and south – the flooding threat will remain.

“We still have a lot of rain that’s falling out there right now,” WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said around 1 p.m.

Dozens of drivers across the state had to be rescused from rising water.

By 1 p.m., Rocky Mount had reported 10- inches of rain; Wilson saw 5 inches of rain and had closed part of Forest Hills Road.

In Raleigh, while only about 3.5 inches of rain fell, an early morning downpour left some seeking higher ground and others cleaning up flooded basements and backyards. Crabtree Creek in Raleigh reached 13 feet high and flooded the greenway.

As the water rose, school systems including Wake and Cumberland counties announced plans to end classes early, both for students learning remotely and those who must take a bus home.

Gardner said the rain would being to end by late afternoon, with drier conditions coming on Friday.