ROWAN — The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a flash flood warning for Rowan, Davie and Cabarrus counties until 2:30 p.m. today.

Salisbury City has confirmed flooding to roads is steadily increasing. West and East Park roads are closed.

Officials say don’t travel, if possible.

In addition, Arlington and East Innes streets, Old Concord Road and South Arlington Street, 600 S. Church Street, 2100 Statesville Blvd., 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., 200 S. Craige and 200 S. Shaver streets are all closed.

Despite storm rainfall of less than 2.5 inches since Wednesday, local law enforcement reported flooding in parts of Cabarrus and Rowan.

Tropical, occasionally heavy rain showers will continue to spread north into Rowan and Davie counties, likely resulting in developing low spot and poor drainage flooding through midday.

As the afternoon wears on, area streams, creeks and rivers may flood as well.

Emergency responders say do not attempt to cross water-covered roadways, bridges, or low-level crossings. Only a few inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away your vehicle. It is not worth the risk. Please turn around, don’t drown.

N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper said during a morning press conference that more than six inches of rain has already fallen in some areas of the state with more to come.

“With heavy rain comes flooding, much of the state is under flash flood warnings or watches. Much of the state is under a tornado watch,” he said.

“The storm has already begun to lash our battered state with strong winds and heavy rain. I want all North Carolinians to be on alert from storm surge on the coast to strong winds in the eastern and central parts of North Carolina to rain in the Piedmont and the west,” Cooper said.

Travel can be treacherous right now and people should stay off the roads, if you can, he said.

Already several water rescues are occurring in the western part of the state this morning. At least 16 roads have already been closed due to Michael and this storms’ rain and wind is now spreading east.

“If you have to travel, slow down and leave extra space between your car and others and never drive through standing waters or flooded roads and don’t drive around barricades,” Cooper said.

North Carolina has thousands of power outages, and that number is constantly fluctuating.

Utility crews are working to restore power.

In Rowan County, Duke Energy reports that at least 29 customers in the Wellington Estates area are without power. Crews are already on site to assess the damage at Emily and Moose roads.

Cooper said around 45 schools systems are closed, the state fair delayed its opening and disaster recovery centers in areas hit hard by Hurricane Florence are also closed today.

“North Carolina was spared the vicious beating Michael brought to Florida and parts of Georgia, but this storm will not go down without a fight. It is still a threat and should be taken seriously,” Cooper said.