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A soaking rain is in the forecast for the next several days as a front brings increased scattered showers and storms.
Local leaders are also preparing for the impacts from the rain, with Raleigh officials lowering water levels at Lake Johnson to compensate for the rain.
Periods of rain and downpours are expected to continue Friday and over the weekend, with the wettest days forecast for Saturday and Sunday. Then, a tropical system could bring more rain our way next week.
Helpful links: DualDoppler5000 | When, where, what: Timing the rain | Download WRAL apps to get alerts | All active weather alerts | ReportIt: Send us flooding pics | What to do on a rainy day
The latest
10 p.m.: Hundreds of residents are reportedly without power in Johnston County. According to poweroutage.us, there are 1,477 power outages in Johnston County.
9 p.m.: Reports are coming in that Benson Mule Days is flooded as severe storms moved through the area Thursday night.
8 p.m.: WRAL has received reports of downed trees in Benson near where the town is kicking off its annual Benson Mule Days celebration.
7:15 p.m.: The severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Southern Johnston County has been extended until 8 p.m.
6:45 p.m.: The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Harnett County until 7 p.m.
6:30 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 7 p.m. on Thursday in Johnston and Wake counties.
Cold front brings rain on Thursday, Friday
A cold front will bring rain to our area late Thursday and Friday. Scattered showers and storms with possibly damaging winds will be possible Thursday evening and overnight.
Friday will be a cooler day, with highs in the 80s instead of the 90s.
Rain showers will be likely throughout Friday, with the chance for heavier rain and storms increasing Friday evening. There is a more than 80% chance of rain after 6 p.m., and high school football games could be impacted by the weather.
Saturday, Sunday a washout weekend
Unfortunately for weekend plans, the heaviest rain is forecast for Saturday and Sunday, which have between a 70% chance and an 80% chance of rain. If you have outdoor activities scheduled, make sure to have a backup plan.
Highs will drop into the upper 70s on Saturday, and heavy rain and localized flooding remain likely all day. Flood advisories and flash flood warnings will be possible, so make sure to download the WRAL News weather app. Saturday appears to be the wettest day, according to Gardner.
Sunday may be a bit drier, but still not ideal for outdoor plans. Temperatures will stay mild, and skies will be cloudy with scattered showers and storms possible much of the day.
“We still have the potential for some localized flooding [on Sunday] as some of the rain will be heavy at times,” Gardner said.
By Monday, we could have our next named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Imelda. The system, which could strengthen before impacting South Carolina’s coast, will bring rip currents to North Carolina’s southern beaches.
Rain bands from the storm could be felt in the Triangle as early as Monday or Tuesday.
FEMA prepares for potential impact
FEMA officials are closely monitoring and preparing ahead of Invest 94L, which the National Hurricane Center predicts could become a tropical depression within the next 48 hours. Officials said they are communicating with state and local officials to make sure they are prepared for any potential impact.
On Thursday, officials urged residents along the coastal areas of the Southeast US to pay attention to their local officials and warnings, and prepare now. As the system continues to develop, officials say they are “ready to respond swiftly, if needed.”
Calls between state officials and FEMA are ongoing. Federal Coordinating Officers are already in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina from other disasters and are working closely on any federal requests for assistance, officials said.
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