Heavy overnight rain has led to a Flood Advisory across parts of the Charlotte metro, creating dangerous travel conditions for early Friday commuters. The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg reports that storms dumped several inches of rain after 2 a.m., with an additional 1 to 3 inches possible before sunrise.
Areas Most at Risk
The advisory, in effect until 5:30 a.m., includes Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. Low-lying and poor-drainage spots are especially vulnerable, with water likely to collect on major roads in:
Charlotte
Gastonia
Huntersville
Belmont
Smaller communities such as Mt. Holly, Davidson, Stanley, and Cramerton are also under the advisory. Urban neighborhoods are at higher risk since heavy runoff can cause minor flooding to worsen quickly.
Safety Reminders for Drivers
Officials stress the importance of avoiding flooded roads, even if water looks shallow. The National Weather Service warns: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
Most flood-related deaths in the U.S. occur when vehicles attempt to cross water-covered roads. Overnight and early morning hours make conditions even more dangerous, as standing water is harder to spot.
Weather Outlook Through the Weekend
Rain chances are expected to drop by Friday afternoon, though scattered showers and storms may still develop later in the day.
Saturday brings only a slight chance of storms, while Sunday could see scattered showers early before skies turn partly sunny. By Monday, dry and sunny weather should return across Charlotte, bringing a more stable start to the week.
Five-Day Forecast for Charlotte
Friday: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, high near 80
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, low near 69
Saturday: Slight chance of storms, high near 82
Sunday: Scattered storms early, partly sunny, high near 84
Monday: Sunny and dry, high near 86
Staying Alert During Flooding
Charlotte’s wet start to the weekend is a reminder of how quickly heavy rain can create hazards. Residents should remain alert, check for updated advisories, and plan for extra travel time if roads are impacted. By early next week, conditions are expected to improve, giving the region a much-needed break from storms.
