Rain continues this weekend; Severe storm risk Saturday with possible damaging winds

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Rain continues this weekend with Saturday bringing scattered evening storms.

The main threat is damaging winds, but locally heavy rain could cause some flash flooding. Temperature highs will be in the low-90s.

A flash flood warning is in effect for Franklin and Vance counties until 8:15 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for multiple counties across central NC, including Durham, Orange, and Wake counties.

Strong storms that moved through on Saturday evening caused downed trees and power outages throughout the Triangle.

In Durham, crews worked to restore power to homes Saturday evening.

Tropical weather threat?

The ABC11 First Alert Weather Team also is tracking the tropics and central North Carolina could be in the path of tropical storm Debbie at the beginning of next week.

ABC11 meteorologist Steve Stewart said it is challenging to forecast the impact in central North Carolina due to the lack of steering currents aloft.

“For now, model consensus would favor a slower solution with rounds of showers and possibly some windy conditions Thursday and Friday,” he said. “Once we get a more mature storm, the models will do a better job with position and strength for impacts here locally.”

Regardless, the NC coast will experience some beach erosion and heavy rain this week.

NOAA calls for heavy rainfall that may result in flash flooding across portions of Florida and the southeast this weekend through Wednesday morning.

Looking ahead

There is a chance of rain every day this week.

Sunday’s temperature is lower, in the upper 80s. Monday and Tuesday have highs in the upper 80s as well.

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Heat safety

Friday brought a heat advisory for much of central North Carolina with feels-like temperatures over 100 degrees.

At Chavis Park in Raleigh, at least a dozen people are getting their workout in on the track early Friday morning.

“Mornings give you time to breathe better, and it’s not as hot,” one of the morning walkers, Rick Clark said.

“When I’m not out here, I’m in my A/C,” Cardilous Savage, another morning walker, said.

Cooling centers are available as experts say it’s important to stay indoors as much as possible in this type of weather.

On days like this:

• Adults older than 65, or who have existing medical conditions and children younger than 4 are most at risk of heat-related illnesses
• Familiarize yourself with symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; and a fast, weak pulse
• Use the buddy system — check in on your neighbor who may be at high risk and make sure they have access to air conditioning and water

It is also important to never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.