Periods of heavy rain are expected, especially from late this afternoon through early Saturday. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour are likely this afternoon through Saturday morning, particularly along the I-95 corridor. A wind advisory is in effect for southern counties from 2 p.m. to 8 a.m.Saturday.
Potential flooding and flash flooding, especially of small creeks and streams, known flood prone locations and urban areas would likely be the primary threat.
Brief tornadoes are also possible this afternoon and this evening.
Expected impacts:
Where the heaviest rain occurs, flash flooding may result in inundated and impassable roadways. Some structures may experience water intrusion and damage.
Heavy rain and wet soil will make it easier for trees to fall, even with modest wind gusts.
This could result in subsequent structure or car damage, and power outages.
Isolated tornadoes could produce pockets of localized intense wind damage.
The NWS says confidence has increased that rainfall amounts of 2-6 inches with locally heavier amounts will occur across much of central North Carolina.
The heaviest rain is expected along and east of the US-1 corridor.
A flash flood watch is now in effect for much of central North Carolina through Saturday morning.