UPDATE: The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a flash flood watch for Rowan County from 8 a.m. Thursday morning until 6 a.m. Friday morning.
The potential exists for rain up to 2 to 4 inches from numerous thunderstorms on Thursday. Areas where thunderstorms repeatedly hit may see even heavier rainfall. Although soil conditions will start out dry, the heavy rains will quickly add up.
That much rain in a short period of time could result in rapid rises and flooding along streams and creeks.
A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. The rains will start from the west and move east, affecting most of the Piedmont.
Monitor later weather forecasts and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued.
By Deirdre Parker Smith
dp1@salisburypost.com
Like it or not, the thunderstorms are coming in tonight. The hazardous weather outlook says some could become severe tonight, with damaging wind and cloud-to-ground lightning.
The chance of showers and storms for Thursday night is up to 100 percent.
Today will be mostly sunny, hot and humid, with a high near 86. The low will be around 64, with winds picking up from the south southeast, gusting up to 18 mph. The storms will move in in the early hours of Thursday, with a 40 percent chance of precipitation.
That chance climbs to 90 percent Thursday during the day, with showers before 8 a.m., showers and storms until noon, then more showers in the afternoon. The high will be near 76. Southeast winds will gust as high as 22 mph. Expect rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch.
Thursday night’s showers and thunderstorms will bring a low near 53. South southeast winds will be steady at 12-17 mph, with that 100 percent chance of precipitation. The National Weather Service predicts as much as 2 inches of rain.
Friday’s showers will be mostly in the morning. Skies will become sunny, with a cooler high near 70. Friday night, temperatures drop to around 48 degrees.
Then we’re in for a string of mostly sunny days and comfortable highs in the 70s, good weather for the many local college graduations. Be sure to get out and enjoy spring.
Saturday should be around 70, with a low again around 48. Sunday will be just the same.
Monday will be sunny and near 74, with a low of 50, and Tuesday should be sunny and 75.