Most of central North Carolina has seen around three to five inches of rain since Monday. Those totals will continue to increase through Thursday with widespread rain around the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for much of North Carolina through Thursday afternoon. Creeks, streams, and rivers are already high with the recent rainfall. Some of the creeks and streams may rise higher through Thursday with the additional rain. Localized flooding is also possible in poor drainage areas especially where fallen leaves could block storm drains.

Gusty winds are likely along with the rain especially through Thursday morning. Gusts up to 30 to 40mph are possible through midday. Gusts up to 15 to 25mph are possible in the afternoon.

There will be a wide range in temperatures across central North Carolina Thursday. Highs will only warm to the mid 40s in the Triangle.  Warmer air moving in from the coast will likely allow Goldsboro to warm to the 60s.  Other locations including Wilson, Smithfield, and Fayetteville should see highs in the 50s.

Thursday forecast map

Warmer air along the coast could provide fuel for a few strong thunderstorms there.  There is a slight risk for storms that could produce damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes in far eastern North Carolina.

The threat for any severe storms should stay well east of the Triangle and Sandhills Thursday.

Slight risk for severe storms near the coast Thursday.

To the west, a mix of sleet and freezing rain has been falling since Wednesday night in the mountains and foothills.  Sleet accumulations could cause hazardous travel conditions through Thursday morning in far western North Carolina.   In and around Boone, ice accumulations up to 0.25" or 0.5" from freezing rain could cause downed trees and power outages.

Winter Storm Warning for western NC

The storm system will finally move to the north and northeast of North Carolina this evening.   That will bring an end to the rain across central North Carolina through late afternoon and early evening.  Clearing skies are expected late Thursday night.

Futurecast for noon Thursday
Futurecast for 7pm Thursday

Sunny and dry conditions will return for Friday and the weekend. The 7-day outlook looks mainly dry through at least Thanksgiving.