RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- ABC11 First Alert Forecast Team is tracking multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected to move across central North Carolina through Friday, bringing the threat of heavy rain, flash flooding and isolated storm impacts.
A Flood Watch remains in effect as some communities could see 2 to 4 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts exceeding 5 inches. Heavy downpours may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, along creeks and streams, and on roadways.
Stay with ABC11 throughout the day for the latest weather alerts, flooding reports, power outages and forecast updates.
NC Highway Patrol says slick roads and speed may have contributed to a driver slamming into a house in Cumberland County.
The driver and passenger had to be extricated and were taken to the hospital. Their conditions were not made available.
The crash is still under investigation.
The much needed rain hit a daily record at Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) on Thursday.
ABC11 Meteorologist says RDU recorded 2.03" of rain setting a new daily rainfall record!
Heavy rain from the morning across the Triangle has shifted south with the cold front and not before causing flash flooding in parts of the Sandhills.
The saturated ground contributed to several downed trees across the area and some power outages.
While the flood threat has decreased from the Triangle northward, the stalled front near the North Carolina-South Carolina border will remain a focus for additional rounds of rain tonight and into Friday morning. Some of that rain could be heavy at times.
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Friday won't be a washout. Expect scattered showers in the morning, followed by a mostly cloudy, humid afternoon with many areas staying dry.
Another round of rain is possible Friday night into Saturday morning.
Fayetteville and other parts of the Sandhills saw torrential rain fall around noon.
The rain eased later in the afternoon, but more precipitation was expected through Harnett and Cumberland counties.
Fayetteville officials said they responded to eight car crashes during the heaviest rain time, noon to 1 p.m.
Emergency Management coordinator Laura Smith said there are some steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of damage during severe weather.
"Some of the simple things that folks can do to keep their homes and neighborhood safe is just to make sure that their storm drains are clear around their homes, whether you have your regular trash litter, grass clippings, anything that could prevent the water from flowing like as it should," Smith said.
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Good news: Power has been restored at the Streets at Southpoint.
The parking lot is full again, and shoppers are returning to stores.
Earlier today, it was a much different scene.
Power outages brought business to a standstill, forcing every store inside the mall to close.
Despite the dark storefronts, the outage didn't stop some people from getting their morning walk in.
"We knew there was no electricity because the power outage and lights were out," said Renee Connelly. "But they still allowed us to come in, and there were plenty of people walking. The people were very kind to allow us walkers to be among the others."
Across Fayetteville Street at Renaissance Center, it was the same story.
Signs posted on business doors told customers they were closed because of the power outage.
Hundreds of customers across the Bull City were without electricity for hours today.
Duke Energy said crews responded quickly and that downed trees were the main cause of the outages as heavy rain moved through the area.
The good news tonight is that power has been restored.
