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Flood Watch expanded, another surge of heavy rain expected Tuesday afternoon
Tuesday afternoon and night expect another surge in heavy rain and Wednesday could be an even larger surge in rain bands.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Flash Flood Watch for the Charlotte area has been expanded to include more areas of the Piedmont as another around of heavy rain is expected Tuesday afternoon into the night.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for portions of Piedmont and upstate South Carolina through Thursday morning. Several waves of moderate to heavy rainfall and embedded thunderstorms will result in additional rainfall totals of 2 to 5 inches in many locations by Thursday morning. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding
Rain moved in Monday and scattered storms will continue for the next 3-4 days with a high risk of flash flooding across the western North Carolina mountains, foothills, and into parts of the Piedmont.
Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich says it’s going to be a very wet week with rain in the forecast for the Charlotte area this week.
“We could see some serious rainfall,” Panovich said.
The entire Charlotte metro area is under a flood watch through Thursday morning. Panovich says some areas could see over 8 inches of rain by the end of the week.
The heavy rain is from a stalled system that will produce days of heavy rain showers and storms. It’s not going to be a total washout every day, but scattered showers and storms will bring heavy rain.
There is also a small chance a thunderstorm becomes strong-to-severe.
“I’m not really overly concerned with severe weather. I’m concerned with flooding,” Panovich said.
Panovich said Tuesday is when we’ll start to see issues from the rain.
The Charlotte area is in a medium threat for flash flooding on Tuesday with a higher risk in the mountains.
“The next three days, especially in the western Carolinas, flash flooding will be a huge deal,” Panovich said. “The next couple of days will be extremely, extremely wet.”
When looking at rainfall totals expected through Friday afternoon Panovich said Charlotte will see 4-5 inches of rain. Higher elevation locations could see higher amounts: 5-6 inches in Hickory, 7-8 inches in Boone.
“It could vary. It depends on where the band sets up,” Panovich explained.
The mountains could see anywhere from 6-9 inches of rain.
“Any slope that faces southeast is going to get hit straight on,” Panovich said.
In the event of flooding, the National Weather Service would issue flood bulletins. The most severe conditions would warrant a Flash Flood Warning.
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when sudden, onset flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area, you would be advised to move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop.
It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain. Flooding can occur downstream or at lower elevations from where rainfall is occurring.
Be notified of Flash Flood Warnings in your area: Download the WCNC news or weather app to receive severe weather notifications for your location.
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