5 p.m. update: The Flood Watch now in effect for the region including Rowan County has been extended through Tuesday morning.

* Additional rounds of heavy showers are expected into tonight, perhaps resulting in a localized additional inch of rainfall. On top of saturated soils, lingering high water conditions, elevated stream levels, flooding will be maintained, if not aggravated.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for urban areas and small streams in southwestern Rowan County until 6:30 tonight.

Radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rainfall this morning, on top of the 3-4 inches that have already fallen in the past 24 hours. Another 1 to 2 inches of rain is likely today.

Reports on the emergency services scanner indicate several abandoned cars on flooded roads. There are also reports of livestock surrounded by flood waters.

Back Creek and Sills Creek have flooded. Flooding can be expected at Beaverdam Creek Withrow Creek, Weathers Creek, Second Creek, Grants Creek, Kerr Creek and Town Creek.

Areas that could see flooding include Salisbury, Spencer, China Grove, Cleveland, Mount Ulla, the Piedmont Research Station area and Woodleaf.

Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Do not attempt to cross water-covered roadways, bridges or low-level crossings. Only a few inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away a vehicle. Turn around, don’t drown.

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, highways and underpasses. County roads and farmlands along the banks of creeks, streams and other low-lying areas are subject to flooding.

In addition, the county remains under a flood watch until 8 p.m. A warning indicates flooding is occurring. A watch means flooding is possible.

Some thunderstorms may be embedded in the heavy rain, with frequent lightning. Northeast winds could gust to 25-35 mph, downing trees and taking out power lines.

Today has a 100 percent chance of rain and a high of just 55. Northeast winds will be sustained at 7-15 mph with gusts especially in thunderstorms.

Tonight’s chance of rain is also 100 percent, and will be accompanied by some fog. The low will be 52, with north northeast wind at 15 mph, gusting to 25 mph.

The chance of rain drops to 60 percent for Tuesday, with more fog in the morning. It will be cloudy with a high of 65 and continued north northeast winds at 9-11 mph. A quarter inch of additional rain is possible.

The low Tuesday will be 55, with north wind around 6 mph. Rain should end by Tuesday night.

Wednesday will be a complete turnaround, with mostly sunny skies and a high of 76. The wind will shift to the southwest at 5 mph in the afternoon. The low will be 60.

Thursday will be mostly sunny and 83. Then a 30 percent chance of showers moves in Thursday night, with mostly cloudy skies and a low of 63.

Friday will be partly sunny and 82, with a low of 65.

Saturday will be mostly sunny and 84, with a low of 65.

Saturday will be mostly sunny and 84, with a low of 66.

And Sunday will be more of the same, mostly sunny and 83.