Tuesday Storms Bring More Heavy Rain - FOX Carolina 21

Tuesday Storms Bring More Heavy Rain

Good morning!  It was a very active afternoon in Western North Carolina yesterday - as storms with heavy rainfall caused flooding in some areas.  We'll be watching for more downpours later today, so we'll again be on alert for some water trouble.

The morning has been quiet, and will stay mainly dry.  Later today, showers and thunderstorms will develop (likely 3 PM - 9 PM) - so be prepared for another active picture on FOX Radar 3-D.  The main threat from ANY storm will be heavy rainfall - and these storms will be slow movers, meaning it will be easy to pick up 1-2+ inches in a short amount of time.  Areas that see more than one storm pass overhead could see some hefty rainfall rates, too.

Because of the heavy rain that fell yesterday, the NWS has issued a Flash Flood Watch for a few counties in Western North Carolina.  The Flash Flood Watch will start up at noon - and includes Buncome, Mitchell and Yancey Counties as well as the McDowell Mountains.  Any heavy rainfall that comes in these areas could lead to more flooding problems.

While the biggest storm threat is the potentially torrential downpours, there is also the chance that a few storms could become strong or severe.  Most of the area is within the Storm Prediction Center's Slight Risk area (you can see that here) - as hail and gusty winds are possible within those stronger storms.

Highs this afternoon will rise into the mid 70s in WNC and the low/mid 80s in the Upstate.  These highs are pretty close to normal - and I think we'll consider these numbers 'cool' once we get into the HOT weekend ahead!  Memorial Day Weekend highs will rise into the upper 80s/low 90s in the Upstate and the mid/upper 80s in WNC.  Phew!