Heavy rain, lightning hits central NC, flash flooding possible

By WRAL Severe Weather Center

Raleigh, N.C. — A gentle rain fell Friday afternoon in Raleigh, and the 20% to 30% chance for precipitation grows to a 50 to 60% chance for storms by 6 p.m., which could impact the start of high school football.

Parts of Johnston County were under a severe thunderstorm warning until 4:45 p.m. The heaviest storms will hit communities near Clayton with the biggest threat being lightning and strong winds, according to WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell.

Lightning was picking up in Cumberland County around 4 p.m., which means storms are intensifying.

Campbell said a stalled front in the eastern part of our viewing area is helping to develop showers and thunderstorms. Most of the triangle was under a low risk for flash flooding, and counties to the east of Wake were under a medium risk.

It sounds like bad news for Football Friday, and some games may be delayed, but WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth said it won’t rain everywhere.

Temperatures will reach the upper 80s on Friday, with humidity of up to 80 percent after dark.

Don’t expect significant relief from any rain that falls. The forecast for Saturday and Sunday is much the same – highs near 90 degrees with a chance of showers or storms.

Along the North Carolina coast, there is a high rip current risk through the weekend as Tropical Storm Henri passes by in the Atlantic. Already on Friday, more than 50 people had to be rescued from the ocean along North Carolina’s coast.

WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell said it will be unsafe to swim, as rough surf, large breaking waves and beach erosion are also possible.

Swells from Henri are expected to create hazardous surf conditions at all area beaches beginning Friday and continuing on Saturday as swells from the storm intensify.

“If the red flags are flying, do not swim. It’s likely to be unsafe to go out boating as well,” said Campbell.

The first week of school will be a hot one as Monday features a forecasted high of 92 with a 20% chance for rain.

“Back to school kids — it’s going to be a hot one!” Campbell warned.