The National Weather Service has issued a regional flash flood watch including Rowan County now through Thursday evening.

Abundant moisture from the existing rain system will surge northward across the region overnight and persist over the area through Thursday as a cold front approaches slowly from the west.

Much of the region has already experienced heavy rainfall this week and soil conditions are very wet ahead of this approaching event. Rainfall totals could reach 2 to 4 inches, affecting many other locations around the region.

Flash flooding could develop quickly as the heavy rain showers move in from the south. Longer duration stream, creek and main stem river flooding may then develop today through Thursday.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding and area flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.