How Much Rain Could Rowan County See? Tracking Totals Through Tuesday

Sunday, May 11, 2025 - 8:34am

Published: May 11, 2025


Rowan County is entering a multi-day stretch of steady rainfall and occasional thunderstorms, beginning Sunday evening and continuing through Tuesday night. While this system will not bring flooding on the scale of last fall’s Hurricane Helene, it could still lead to nuisance to minor flooding, especially in low-lying areas and near streams and rivers.

Timeline of Expected Rainfall

  • Sunday Night: Rain begins to spread across the area after dark, becoming steadier overnight.

  • Monday: This is expected to be the wettest day, with periods of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms likely.

  • Monday Night: Continued rain and storms, with locally heavy downpours possible.

  • Tuesday: Rain and thunder continue, gradually tapering late in the day and evening.

Projected Rainfall Totals for Rowan County

Forecast models currently show the potential for:

  • 2 to 4 inches of rain across most of Rowan County

  • Isolated higher totals up to 5 or 6 inches, especially if thunderstorms repeatedly impact the same areas

These totals will be spread out over multiple days, reducing the risk of flash flooding—but urban drainage issues, overflowing ditches, and minor stream rises are possible.

Local Impacts to Watch

  • Ponding on roads and parking lots, especially in areas with poor drainage

  • South Yadkin River could rise, but significant flooding is not expected

  • Saturated soils may lead to standing water in low-lying fields and yards

A Note of Comparison

While the National Weather Service has referenced Hurricane Helene in its flood outlook, this event is not expected to bring the same kind of widespread flooding. Helene produced over 10 inches of rain in some areas of western North Carolina last fall. This week’s totals, while impactful, are expected to stay well below that.

Stay Updated

Forecast rainfall amounts could still change depending on how this system develops. Rowan County Weather will continue to monitor radar trends and provide updates throughout the week.

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