Heavy rains expected throughout Thursday could cause flash floods, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
The watch includes Pender, New Hanover, Brunswick, Coloumbus, Bladen and Robeson counties. Cities within that area include: Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Leland, Shalotte, Boiling Spring Lakes, Ogden, Burgaw, Lumberton, Elizabethtown, Bladenboro, Whitevilee, Tabor City, Chadbourn, Lake Waccamaw, Seagate, Sunset Beach, Oak Island and Long Beach.
The flash flood watch means conditions could develop that would cause flash flooding. Residents are advised to pay attention to future weather forecasts in case the watch is raised to a warning, which would mean flash flooding is likely.
The chances for rain Thursday morning and early afternoon is about 80 percent. The flash flood watch is currently active until 10 p.m.
“Many places have already received several inches of rainfall. Any additional heavy rainfall will enahnce flash flooding,” an alert from the NWS-Wilmington states.
In its latest forecast, the NWS states that flooding will most likely happen east of Interstate 95, in Robeson County, and west of Highway 17, through New Hanover and Brunswick counties.
The heavy rain that is expected could lead to rapidly rising waters, especially in urban areas and around culverts.
Drivers are warned not to drive through flood waters, as it only takes inches of water carry and disable a car.
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