Johnston County Under Flood Watch As 2 To 4 Inches Of Rain Forecast

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Johnston County residents should prepare for the possibility of flash flooding as several rounds of heavy rain move through central North Carolina over the next two days.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Johnston County beginning late Wednesday night and continuing through Friday morning.

Forecasters say a slow-moving cold front is expected to produce repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms capable of dropping 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated locations potentially receiving even higher amounts.

The greatest concern is flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, along with rapidly rising creeks, streams and small rivers. Roads that frequently collect water during heavy rainfall could also become hazardous.

In addition to Johnston County, the Flood Watch extends across much of central North Carolina, including neighboring Wake, Harnett, Sampson, Wayne and Wilson counties, as well as Alamance, Anson, Chatham, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Granville, Guilford, Halifax, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, Orange, Person, Randolph, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly, Vance and Warren counties.

A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding but flooding is not yet occurring. Residents are encouraged to closely monitor the forecast and be prepared to act if Flash Flood Warnings are issued for Johnston County.

Motorists should use extra caution during periods of heavy rain and never drive through flooded roadways. Just a small amount of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road, and the depth of water covering a roadway is often difficult to determine.

The National Weather Service will continue monitoring the storm system as it moves across the region through Friday morning.