Flash flooding likely as heavy rain, storms soak Charlotte area this weekend

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After nearly a month without rain, flash flooding was being reported in the Charlotte viewing area Friday night. 

“If you live in a flood-prone area, make sure you have a way to get warnings,” said chief meteorologist Brad Panovich. “Flash flooding is very likely across the northwest Piedmont and Foothills.”

If you live in a flood prone area make sure you have a way to get warnings tonight. Flash flooding is very likely across the northwest Piedmont & Foothills. We could flood warnings issued while you…

Earlier Friday night, Catawba County Emergency Management tweeted the Hickory area was experiencing flash flooding.

“DO NOT drive across roads covered in water or that you cannot see the lines,” the tweet read. “Some roads are dangerous with cars taking on water.”

Panovich said Hickory had received 2.33″ of rain as of 9 p.m. Friday.

Other totals included:

• Shelby: 2.08″
• Lincolnton: 1.17″
• Morganton: 1.05″ 

The rain is expected to linger through the beginning of next week with heavy showers and thunderstorms expected across the viewing area.

Panovich said almost half of North Carolina and nearly 90% of South Carolina reported dry to moderate drought conditions. 

It’s been 26 days between measurable rainfall in Charlotte, making this the 13th longest dry streak in the city’s history. 

Things aren’t looking great for the rest of the weekend either, especially if you have outdoor plans, like Taste of Charlotte. Periods of heavy rain and showers are expected throughout Saturday and Sunday along with even more rain early next week. 

So how much rain are we talking? The mountains could see anywhere up to 9 inches over the next week or so, while the Charlotte area could get anywhere from 3-6 inches.

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