5 inches of rain, flooding hits central NC on Friday during WRAL Weather Alert Day

CLINTON, N.C. — Multiple viewers sent WRAL News photos of flooded yards and parking lots on Friday as heavy rain fell across the area.

A tornado warning was issued for southern Sampson County, south of Clinton during the 1 o’clock hour. Sampson County experienced between 4 to 5 inches of rain in a span of 2 to 3 hours on Friday, according to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner.

A Level 1 risk for storms was in place for much of the state on Friday, so more isolated tornadoes will be possible in the afternoon. A flood watch is in effect for the entire viewing area until Saturday.

In Harnett County in Erwin, a viewer sent photos and video of her yard, which was underwater.

WRAL reporter Gilbert Baez was in Sampson County, where rain covered front yards, and the grass in front of Midway Middle School in Dunn looked like a lake.

Friday begins with heavy rainfall

Multiple roads were closed Friday morning due to flooding in downtown Rocky Mount, and in Wake Forest flooding was reported along the Smith Creek and Sanford Creek greenways. Some viewers sent WRAL News photos of rain gauges measuring over 7 inches.

More than 4.88 inches of rain fell between Thursday night and Friday in Wake Forest, and more than 3.55 inches fell in parts of north Raleigh. Rocky Mount saw 3.49 inches.

Heavy rain also fell north of the Triangle. Brent C. sent WRAL News video from Franklin County showing a man up to his waist in floodwaters in his neighbor’s yard.