A Flash Flood Watch is in effect from 8:00pm Thursday through 8:00pm Sunday. Widespread heavy rain will develop Thursday night as an upper level low stalled over the deep south interacts with Hurricane Joaquin off the Southeast Coast.
The National Weather Service has also issued a Flood Warning for the Neuse River at Clayton and Smithfield from Saturday morning through Sunday evening. The Neuse River is expected to rise above flood stage in Clayton Saturday morning then fall below flood stage in Clayton around midday Sunday.
In Smithfield, the Neuse River is expected to rise above flood stage Friday night and continue to rise Saturday before falling below flood stage Saturday evening.
Already two inches of rain has fallen in the area in the past few days. Additional rainfall through the weekend will likely cause flooding on the upper Neuse River in Johnston County.
Heavy rain will overspread Eastern North Carolina Thursday night as a developing upper low strengthens. Heavy rain will overspread western portions of the state during the day Friday and persist through the weekend.
Widespread rainfall total of 3 to 6 inches will locally higher amounts are possible. Sustained winds of 10-20 miles per hour with gusts as high as 30mph Thursday afternoon through Friday night are possible. Stronger winds will be possible on Saturday and Sunday.
There is an increased risk for flash flooding along with an increased potential for downed trees, power lines, and scattered power outages if Joaquin tracks close to the North Carolina coast this weekend.
A Flash Flood Watch means conditions may become favorable for flash flooding. Residents living in flood prone areas should closely monitor the forecast and be prepared to take action if flooding occurs of flash flood warnings are issued. If you encounter deep water while driving, do not attempt to drive through.
