Updated at 12:34 p.m.
A flash flood warning is in effect for all of central North Carolina, including the Triad, the Triangle and east of the Triangle.
Multiple water rescues and flash flooding have been reported across central and western North Carolina.
The National Weather Service in Raleigh expects up to five inches of rain could fall across the region.
At least nine inches of rain has fallen on Rocky Mount since yesterday. The NWS says there's been several reports of flooding, road closures and water rescues in Wilson and Halifax county.
A flash flood warning for the following counties remains in effect until 2:30 p.m. Thursday: Alamance, Chatham, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, Orange, Person, Randolph, Vance, Wake, Warren, Wayne and Wilson.
Cumberland, Hoke and Sampson counties are under flash flood warnings until 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
Meteorologist Kathleen Carol says more localized flooding could happen Thursday.
“We're expecting anywhere from roughly two to upwards of five inches generally across central North Carolina and there could be some locally higher amounts in there,” Carol said.
In response, Johnston and Nash county public schools are only holding online classes today. Edgecombe and Wilson county public schools are not holding any classes today, in person or online.
Wake County Public Schools are among those sending students home two hours early. Harnett County Schools are also closing early because of excessive flooding in areas near the I-95 corridor.
Meanwhile, in western North Carolina, the Charlotte Observer reports that up to 20 campers need to be rescued from a flooded campground in Alexander County.
Heavy rain has fallen across western North Carolina too and is being blamed for mudslides, flash flooding and power outages.
The Hiddenite Family Campground sits along the South Yadkin River and is about 60 miles northwest of Charlotte. Besides the campground, officials in Conover in Catawba County said on Twitter that rescuers are responding to reports of a car that went over a bridge. Alexander County Schools have resorted to virtual classes after some of its school buildings were flooded.
