CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Heavy rains moving across western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina will move into the Charlotte area midday Friday. The persistent heavy rains are creating a threat for flash flooding mainly along and west of Interstate 77, especially in higher elevations and along waterways.
If this round of rain clears out in time to allow clearing for sunny weather this afternoon, it could help fuel the chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms later Friday - - especially south and east of Charlotte.
The WCNC Charlotte First Warn Weather team is tracking the rain and will be providing updates here throughout the day in our severe weather live blog.
12 p.m.
Continuing to watch an area of possible rotation associated with storms moving eastward out of York and Chester counties and toward Lancaster County, South Carolina, and Union County, North Carolina. Radar indicates rotation in the mid-levels of the atmosphere but no warnings have been issued because it is not currently believed to have rotation in the lower levels of the atmosphere.
We're monitoring for possible developments.
11:30 a.m.
An area of heavy rain is crossing Interstate 77 south of Charlotte in York and Chester counties in South Carolina. It's moving east towards Lancaster County, South Carolina, and eventually onto Union County, North Carolina.
Behind it, rainfall totals of 1-2" have been reported.
10:40 a.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Gaston, Lincoln, and southern Catawba counties. The threat includes flooding along the South Fork of the Catawba River, and in any urban, poor-drainage areas.
Law enforcement reports flooded roadways in Lincolnton, North Carolina. Unoccupied, parked cars are submerged in water along East Main St at North Generals Blvd; and East Main St near North Flint St, in Lincoln County. Roadway flooding along Highway 29 is also impeding traffic.
Rainfall rates in some areas, including near Grover in Cleveland County, North Carolina are near 3 inches.
10:30 a.m.
Just across the border in the Virginia communities of Stanleytown and Basset, both within Henry County, a Flash Flood Emergency has been declared as rising waters have lead to "numerous water rescues," according to the National Weather Service.
10:25 a.m.
A few reported roadways flooded near Grover in Cleveland County, North Carolina. A wastewater treatment plant is reporting some flooding issues to the National Weather Service but specifics were not publicly provided.
10 a.m.
An area of heavy rain across the region from Virginia through portions of North Carolina and South Carolina is advancing to the north and east towards the Charlotte metro area. Storms have already brought flooding to portions of western North Carolina, Virginia, and upstate South Carolina. Meteorologist and emergency officials are monitoring the rains as they move through the urban areas for the possibility of flooding in poor drainage areas. There will also be a risk of flooding along waterways such as rivers, creeks, and streams.
