Hang in there! One more day of heavy rain, potential flooding before dry weekend

By Kat Campbell and Elizabeth Gardner,WRAL meteorologists

Raleigh, N.C. — We’ll have to get through a flood watch, chilly temperatures and plenty of rain Thursday before enjoying a beautiful weekend.

A flood watch is in effect for most of the state and the entire viewing area until 7 p.m.

According to meteorologist Kat Campbell, another 1 to 2 inches of rain are likely Thursday, which could lead to flooding along creeks, streams and rivers.

“In addition to the heavy rain early today, winds gusting up to 40 mph will be possible,” said Campbell. “With saturated grounds, we could see trees come down.”

The worst of the rain should begin at about 7 a.m. in the southern counties and end at about 3 p.m. in the northeastern counties. The bulk of the rain should be over in the Triangle by about 1 p.m. Thursday, he said.

The morning commute will be messy, and the evening commute will be much drier.

According to Campbell, the rain will start to taper off this afternoon into the evening with just a light drizzle possible by dinnertime.

The Triangle has seen more than 2 inches of rain since Monday.

“Flooding along area creeks, streams and rivers will be a concern,” WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth said. “The ground is completely saturated, and there is simply nowhere for the water to go.”

The rain will cause ponding on area roadways Thursday, and flood warnings and flash flood advisories are possible throughout the area.

Counties south and west of Raleigh were seeing flooding Wednesday morning and were under flood warnings. Several rescues were reported.

The good news is that the weekend will be pleasant, with highs at least 10 degrees warmer than they were Wednesday and Thursday.

Friday will be sunnier with a high in the mid 50s, and Saturday and Sunday should be mild with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s.

Rain will not be a threat on Saturday for the Raleigh Christmas Parade and Winter Wonderland.