The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for a large portion of central North Carolina including Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren Counties. The flood watch is in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday through 6 p.m. Thursday as the remnants of Hurricane Elsa move through the state. According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest rain will be along the U.S. 1 corridor during the daytime hours Thursday. Rainfall amounts are expected to be 1 to 3 inches although locally higher amounts can be expected where thunderstorms persist. Areas receiving excessive rainfall will be susceptible to flash flooding. Low lying areas, areas of poor drainage and areas normally flood prone could all become flooded. Roads in these areas could be impassable due to high water.
Elsa is expected to be a weak tropical storm as it moves through the state tomorrow and limited impacts are expected across central North Carolina. The National Weather Service predicts wind damage would be minimal however gusts up to 40 mph are possible. A level 1 risk of tornadoes is also forecast. Winds will increase from south to north during the morning hours after sunrise. Winds should diminish by 11 p.m. Thursday. Stay tuned to WIZS throughout the day Thursday for the latest weather updates regarding the remnants of Hurricane Else as it passes through our region.