Heavy Rain Threat Continues Through Saturday, But Not Everyone Will See It

After multiple rounds of heavy rain produced localized flooding in some communities yesterday, the wet weather pattern isn't quite finished yet. However, today's setup looks different from what we experienced on Thursday.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across the western Carolinas and central North Carolina through Saturday, but they will be much less widespread. That means some communities may receive another inch or two of rain, while others just a few miles away may see little or no rainfall at all.

The atmosphere remains loaded with moisture, with tropical humidity still in place across the region. Even though overall storm coverage will be lower, any thunderstorm that develops will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall in a short amount of time.

One reason for this is that winds high in the atmosphere remain relatively weak. As a result, storms will move slowly and may repeatedly track over the same locations, a process known as "training." When this happens, rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, leading to localized flooding of roads, creeks, and low-lying areas.

The greatest concern for heavier rainfall will generally be across the southern portions of the Carolinas, closer to a stalled frontal boundary. Even so, everyone across Rowan, Davie, Davidson, and the surrounding counties should remain weather-aware through Saturday, as isolated flooding can occur anywhere a slow-moving thunderstorm develops.

The good news is that widespread flooding is becoming less likely than what occurred yesterday. Since storms will be more isolated, many neighborhoods may remain completely dry while others experience torrential downpours just a few miles away.

By Sunday, the weather pattern finally begins to change. The stalled front will drift farther south, drier air will gradually move into the region, and sunshine will become more common. Temperatures will also begin climbing back into the mid-80s before returning to the upper 80s and lower 90s early next week.

While the flood threat will steadily diminish through the weekend, it only takes one slow-moving thunderstorm to create problems. If you encounter a flooded roadway, remember to turn around and never attempt to drive through water covering the road.

Enjoy the break in the heat while it lasts, and continue to keep an eye on the radar through Saturday as scattered storms remain part of the forecast.