Severe weather triggers heavy rain, downed trees, and flood threats across central NC: Live Updates

Widespread rain continued throughout the night, but several days of wet weather don't mean central North Carolina's drought is over.

According to the NC Drought Advisory Council, Wake County moved down to severe drought status while Orange and Durham counties remain under extreme drought conditions.

Durham Mayor Leo Williams said the recent rain isn't enough to move Durham from its stage 2 water restrictions. The city needs days of rain to move the needle.

The rain was a headache for homeowners and drivers, but it was a major relief for communities that desperately need it.

The rain was a headache for homeowners and drivers, but it was a major relief for communities that desperately need it.

Central North Carolina is facing a drought that is considered unprecedented, and Durham is facing some of the most extreme conditions.

"We are so grateful for this rain," Williams said. "But we are not out of the woods yet."

That's why Durham will stay in the current water restrictions.

"We're getting what we need, but we haven't gotten enough yet to reduce the restrictions back to a stage 1 yet," Williams said. "So, we're going to remain at stage 2, and after a few days, we'll see where we are, see what the reservoir looks like, and then we'll make a decision."

The mayor reminded residents to be good neighbors and conserve their water use.

"Do not power wash your house right now, because when you power wash your house, you may be taking water for someone else who needs to drink it," he said.

Williams reported that the city water use has dropped about 12%, but officials would like to see a 30% reduction.

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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.

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 were taken to the hospital.

The crash is still under investigation.

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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.

After torrential rain in the late morning and early afternoon caused problems in the Sandhills, precipitation eased in the late afternoon before another band of wet weather.

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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