Online Business Coach

The WXII 12 First Warning Weather Team is tracking our heavy rain potential through Wednesday afternoon. Localized ponding and flash flooding may create some travel trouble spots this week.WEATHER SET-UPMoisture and energy are flowing out of the Gulf of Mexico ahead of a slow-moving cold front that is moving into the western mountains. This will bring widespread moderate rain into the Carolinas through early afternoon Wednesday.RAIN TOTALS:Most communities have received between one and two inches of rain Since Monday. Much higher totals have been observed west of I-77, especailly in Surry County.To give that some perspective, Piedmont Triad International Airport received just 3.08 inches of rain between Oct. 1 and Dec. 8. During that dry period, drought levels have steadily increased. Moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions have been observed in all zones from Boone to Burlington. This week’s rain may not break the drought, but it will certainly help keep it from getting worse. The rain will also help temporarily reduce fire dangers.FLOODING RISK Widespread steady rain has included several moderate to heavy downpours, causing ponding on many local roadways. The bulk of the rain has fallen and we will begin to see some improvement as the weather begins to dry out. Pay attention to nearby rising creeks and streams. SEVERE STORM OUTLOOKThe risk for severe storms continues to be very low across North Carolina and Virginia during this event. However, a few local thunderstorms will be possible through early Wednesday afternoon. Parts of North Carolina east of I-95 may experience a few strong thunderstorms on Wednesday. The strongest storms will be capable of producing wind damage. An isolated tornado will also be possible there.WIND ADVISORYWinds will pick up on Wednesday, especailly in the west. The national Weather Service has issued a WIND ADVISORY for the North Carolina and Virginia mountains and foothills through 1:00 a.m. Thursday. Cold mountain winds will produce scattered snow showers Wednesday as temps turn colder. Winds will gust as high as 55 mph. In the foothills, expect winds to gust 25-45 mph Wednesday. Triad wind gusts will likely peak at 30 mph.PIEDMONT TRIAD FORECASTWEDNESDAY MORNING – EARLY AFTERNOONRain will likely continue through the early commute before tapering from west to east. Morning weather will be windy and mild ahead of the front. Wednesday’s temperatures will peak in the lower 60s late morning through early afternoon.WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON Arctic air will follow the front and start to bring temperatures down quickly in the afternoon and evening. Chilly 30 miles per hour gusts will feel much colder. Drier winds should dry out road surfaces. Let’s hope!WEDNESDAY NIGHTClearing is likely as colder conditions develop. Most roads will have dried before temperatures drop to 32 and freeze any lingering wet surfaces. To be safe, watch for slick spots in poor drainage areas as well as walking surfaces, like steps and sidewalks.