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Rain on Wednesday and much more expected Thursday prompted weather officials to issue a flash flood watch through Friday morning.

According to a press release from the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City, deep tropical moisture from a distant Tropical Storm Eta is interacting with a slow-moving cold front and will result in widespread showers and a few thunderstorms.

“Heavy downpours are possible and could lead to localized flash flooding. The most likely period for flooding is Thursday, but heavier rainfall will begin late tonight. A widespread 2 to 4 inches of rain is forecast, but as much as 4 to 6 inches is possible closer to the coast,” the release states.

Graphics of the coastal areas show eastern Beaufort County in the 4-to-6-inch rainfall range, while the western part of the county falls can expect 3-4 inches of rain.

The potential for flash flooding particularly applies to low and poor-drainage areas.

The NWS warns resident to never drive through flooded areas: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”