News

Elsa rainfall totals, flood forecasts

Environmental, Sound Rivers

Posted on July 8th, 2021

Tropical Storm Elsa released plenty of rain over central North Carolina today; less so for the eastern region. The National Hurricane Center forecasted flash and urban flooding of some streams and creeks in the central part of the state; no flooding was expected in the lower parts of the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico watersheds. To see current stream and creek flood warnings in the Raleigh area, go here. 

Over the next few days, the heavy rainfall of today will result in higher levels downstream, but will not approach minor flood stages: Tar River at Rocky Mount, flood stage 21 feet, is expected to crest Saturday at 8.7 feet; Neuse River at Clayton, flood stage 9 feet, is expected to crest at 4.6 feet on Friday; Neuse River at Smithfield, flood stage 15 feet, is expected to crest at 11.7 feet on Saturday. For more information about how much rain Elsa delivered to your area, visit here. 

We’ll be updating with any water-quality issues caused by Elsa rainfall in our watersheds.

Related News

7th round of Slocum sampling comes with more wildlife sightings July 30th 2026
Water Watch meeting draws a virtual crowd for big news July 30th 2026
You won’t believe what we find in trash traps … July 30th 2026
Resilient Coastal Communities: Bath Township update July 30th 2026
Endangered Species Act rollbacks threaten Neuse, Tar-Pam July 23rd 2026
Strategic input needed for Tar-Pam resiliency projects by July 27 July 23rd 2026