Wet start to Labor Day, expect the sun to return this afternoon

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Rain played a starring role Monday morning in central North Carolina.

This comes after heavy thunderstorms late Sunday. ABC11 meteorologist Steve Stewart said the rain did not bring with it a high chance for severe storms, and it will move out of the area by the afternoon.

A tree fell on Leadmine Road near Middlebrook Road. It knocked down some power lines in the process, causing hundreds to lose power in that area.

Power has been restored, and the roads have reopened.

A tree fell on Leadmine Road near Middlebrook Road.

There will be improving conditions later. Last year, Labor Day reached 99 degrees, but temperatures this year will only reach the low 80s.

"With the cold front lingering off to the northwest, it will be generally cloudy, humid, and damp," Stewart said.

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Weekend Rain

Labor Day weekend brought strong storms to some parts of the viewing area.

A few heavy thunderstorms moved through central North Carolina Sunday afternoon and evening as a cold front entered the region. It was a record rainfall at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Damaging winds caused downed trees in spots. Other areas saw some street flooding.

A Flash Flood Warning for Wake County was extended until 11 p.m., then a flood warning remained in effect through 2 a.m.

Flooded streets and downed trees were seen across parts of the viewing area Sunday as strong storms moved through.

Durham, Granville, and Orange counties were also under a flash flood warning through much of the evening.

Severe storms also popped up Friday afternoon in Durham, Orange, Franklin and Wake counties. From 2-5 p.m., storms brought heavy rain, lots of lightning and strong wind gusts.

Several trees were toppled and multiple fires sparked, including one that damaged three homes in Northwest Raleigh.

Looking Ahead

An area of high pressure moving across the Northeast will funnel cooler air; temperatures will be below average in the upper 70s.

Tuesday looks to be brighter and pleasant with highs near 80 degrees. Clouds will increase on Wednesday.

There's a chance of rain late Thursday; Friday; and Saturday morning.