Tropical Storm Chantal is set to affect North Carolina, bringing rain over the upcoming holiday weekend. While Saturday remains dry for most areas, rain is expected to begin tonight and continue into Sunday.
A level 1 and level 2 flood risk has been issued across the state for Sunday as the storm moves through, generating heavy rainfall across central North Carolina, particularly during the morning and again in the afternoon. Meteorologist Steve Stewart from ABC11 noted that there is uncertainty regarding the exact locations of the heaviest rain bands, but the potential for flash flooding should be taken seriously. Some forecasts indicate that between 1 to 3 inches of rain could fall in central North Carolina, though specifics may become clearer as the storm develops.
The forecast for Monday includes the possibility of scattered showers, chiefly along and east of I-95, while a stray thunderstorm could occur on Tuesday. After the rain, temperatures are set to return to the 90s in the following week, creating a contrast to the cooler and wet weather brought by Chantal.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather conditions and plan accordingly for potential travel disruptions due to rain and flooding. This serves as a reminder that even holiday weekends can pose weather-related challenges, but with proper precautions, families can still enjoy time together safely.