5+ inches of rain possible tonight in parts of central NC. Latest forecast
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- Flood watch covers central NC as storms threaten up to 5+ inches of rain.
- Scattered flash flooding is possible Thursday, with isolated risks through Saturday.
- Soaked soil and gusty winds increase hazards of downed trees.
Flood watches and warnings are in effect for the Triangle, with meteorologists warning of heavy rain in parts of central North Carolina.
Throughout the region, the most likely rainfall amounts range from 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches through Friday morning, July 11, according to the National Weather Service.
However, locally higher amounts of rainfall, between 2 inches and more than 5 inches, could be possible anywhere in central North Carolina. Areas including and west of Alamance, Chatham, Lee, Moore, and Hoke counties have a slightly greater chance of receiving that higher precipitation.
Rain is expected to begin Thursday afternoon, July 10, said Kathleen Carroll, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Forecast Office in Raleigh.
Communities across central North Carolina have been dealing with flooding, tornadoes, power outages, road closures and declining supplies of drinking water since the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal dropped heavy rain across the area over the Fourth of July weekend. At least six people have died because of the storm.
Flooding risk in the Triangle
There is a risk for at least isolated instances of flash flooding every day through Saturday, July 12, but scattered flash flooding conditions are more probable Thursday afternoon and evening compared to Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
The risk for isolated instances of flash flooding picks back up Monday, July 14, Carroll said.
A flood warning has been issued for the Haw River near Bynum in Chatham County and at Haw River in Alamance County. The warning is in place until Friday afternoon.
A flood watch is also in effect for all of central North Carolina, including Alamance, Chatham, Durham, Orange, Wake and Johnston counties, through at least 2 a.m. Friday.
Areas that are more susceptible to flash flooding include urban areas or places with poor drainage. Where the soil is saturated from days of heavy rain and particularly sensitive to additional rainfall, flash flooding conditions could occur quicker than usual.
Along with the storms, there’s a threat of gusty winds, expected Thursday afternoon and evening, which could lead to downed trees, especially in areas where the soil is saturated.
This story was originally published July 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM with the headline "5+ inches of rain possible tonight in parts of central NC. Latest forecast."
