Tropical Storm Sally: Flooding Expected In Southeast, Possibly NC

CHARLOTTE, NC — Tropical Storm Sally, which is bearing down on the Gulf Coast and expected to turn into a hurricane by Tuesday, will lead to flooding throughout the southeast later this week, including possibly portions of western North Carolina, according to forecasts.

Areas of the state could receive up to 4 inches of rain from the storm, according to North Carolina emergency officials.

As of 8 a.m. Monday morning, the storm was located off the coast of Mississippi, moving west northwest at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of about 65 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

"It is too early to determine where Sally's center will move onshore given the uncertainty in the timing and location of Sally's northward turn near the central Gulf Coast," NHC said. Widespread flash flooding is expected central and northern Florida, as well as portions of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama through the middle of the week. "Flooding impacts are expected to spread farther across the Southeast U.S. through the week," NHC said.

According to North Carolina Emergency Management, the heaviest rains from Sally are expected in southern North Carolina later this week. "Even relatively small changes to the forecast storm track and timing will alter rainfall amounts and other potential impacts to the region," the agency said Monday.

Areas of the Charlotte metro could receive up to 3 inches of rain between Thursday and Saturday, according to NCEM. Wilmington could receive up to 4 inches, it said.

Here is the National Weather Service's forecast through the end of the week:
Today (Sept. 14)
Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. North northeast wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight
Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then isolated showers between 10pm and 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Northeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday (Sept. 15)
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 8 to 11 mph.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. East northeast wind around 8 mph.
Wednesday (Sept. 16)
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Northeast wind around 8 mph.
Wednesday Night
A slight chance of rain before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers between 8pm and 10pm, then a chance of rain after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday (Sept. 17)
A 50 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 73.
Thursday Night
Showers likely. The rain could be heavy at times. Cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday (Sept. 18)
Rain likely, mainly before 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night
A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.
Saturday (Sept. 19)
Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.
Sunday (Sept. 20)
Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.