Tropical Depression Sally: Flash Flood Watch In Effect For NC

CHARLOTTE, NC — A flash flood watch went into effect for much of North Carolina Thursday morning as the remnants of what was Hurricane Sally moved into the region, bringing with it the possibility of parts of the state receiving up to 8 inches of rain, forecasters said.

The flash flood watch, which covers most of the state, is in effect until Friday, Sept. 18.

"Widespread 3-5 inches of rainfall is forecast Thursday through Friday," North Carolina Emergency Management said Thursday morning. "Localized higher amounts up to 8 inches will be possible, but the location of the heaviest rainfall is difficult to forecast."

The rain will increase throughout the day, and a tornado risk could be possible Thursday afternoon in the southeastern Charlotte metro region, WSOC reported.

The deluge of rain could lead to landslides and rockslides, the National Weather Service warned Thursday.

"This amount of rain will produce areas of flash flooding along smaller streams, creeks, and in urban areas," NWS said in a hazardous weather bulletin. "Rainfall of more than five inches in similar storms has been associated with an increased risk of landslides and rockslides. If you live on a mountainside or in a cove at the base of a mountain, especially near a stream, be ready to leave in advance of the storm or as quickly as possible should rising water, moving earth, or rocks threaten. Consider postponing travel along mountain roads during periods of heavy rainfall."

Here's the National Weather Service's forecast through Monday:
Today (Sept. 17)
Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. Patchy fog. High near 71. East northeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tonight
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Areas of fog. Low around 66. North wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Friday (Sept. 18)
Showers likely, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. North wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Friday Night
A slight chance of showers before 11pm, then a slight chance of rain between 11pm and 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. North northeast wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday (Sept. 19)
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Northeast wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Sunday (Sept. 20)
Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Monday (Sept. 21)
Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.