Flash Flood Watch Issued For Charlotte Metro: Forecast

CHARLOTTE, NC — Heavy rains bringing up to three inches of rain prompted a flash flood watch for the Charlotte metro Monday. The watch was expected to remain in effect into early Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service said.

A flash flood watch means forecasted rainfall could lead to the potential rapid onset of flooding and may impact areas that do not typically flood, according to NWS.

"Stream flows are higher than usual following early morning heavy rain that fell in some locations," NWS said in a hazardous weather outlook bulletin Monday. "Drainage systems may already be near capacity as well. Numerous to widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected to bring a few rounds of heavy rain across Charlotte and vicinity. The potential exists for 1 to 3 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts.

"This poses a risk of flash flooding," NWS said.

The flash flood watch area in the piedmont of North Carolina includes Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Gaston, and Cabarrus counties, and is in effect until 2 a.m. Sept. 1.

Here is the forecast for the week ahead, according to the National Weather Service:
Today (Aug. 31)
Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11am. High near 84. South wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms before 5am, then a chance of showers. Patchy fog before 11pm, then patchy fog after midnight. Low around 72. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tuesday (Sept. 1)
A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 88. Light northeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday (Sept. 2)
A slight chance of showers between 1pm and 3pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Thursday (Sept. 3)
Sunny, with a high near 93.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Friday (Sept. 4)
Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Saturday (Sept. 5)
A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.