Central North Carolina Weather Alert: Storms Threaten Raleigh-Durham Through the Weekend And Early October
RALEIGH, N.C. — Central North Carolina is bracing for strong thunderstorms and possible flash flooding this weekend, with conditions expected to linger into early next week before cooler fall weather sets in.
Storms Begin Friday Night
The National Weather Service in Raleigh said storms will start to build Friday evening and intensify by Saturday afternoon, bringing widespread rain across Wake, Durham, and Orange counties.
Officials warned of:
- Heavy downpours leading to flash flooding in low-lying neighborhoods.
- Damaging winds from isolated severe cells.
- Hazardous travel along I-40 and other major roadways.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items and avoid driving through flooded streets.
Weekend Impacts and Rainfall Totals
Saturday storms could deliver over an inch of rain in some spots, with urban areas at particular risk for standing water.
By Sunday, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to persist, though conditions should gradually improve heading into the new week.
Cooler Fall Weather Arrives
Forecasters say the stormy pattern will shift as October begins:
- Tuesday: Highs in the upper 70s.
- Wednesday, Oct. 1: Highs fall to the mid-70s with mostly sunny skies.
This will mark the first noticeable cool-down of the season, giving residents a crisp fall feel after a stormy weekend.
Five-Day Forecast for Raleigh
- Thursday: Partly sunny, high near 91°F. Storms late, 20% chance.
- Friday: High 87°F, storms possible by evening, 50% chance.
- Saturday: Showers and storms likely, high 79°F. Rain heavy at times, 80% chance.
- Sunday: Scattered storms, high 79°F.
- Monday: Lingering showers, high 73°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high 78°F.
- Wednesday (Oct. 1): Mostly sunny, cooler, high 75°F.
Have you made changes to your weekend plans in anticipation of these storms in Raleigh-Durham? Share your experience in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
