Heavy rain puts the Star News corridor on flood watch

The Star News corridor should keep an eye on heavy rain today, Tuesday, May 26, as showers and thunderstorms continue along the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast pattern.

The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center discussion issued Monday night placed parts of south-central and southeast Virginia, western North Carolina and the Southern Appalachians in a heavy-rain setup. The concern is not a regionwide flood disaster, but localized flash flooding where storms repeat over the same roads, creeks and urban drainage areas.

WPC forecasters said intense rainfall rates could reach 1 to 3 inches per hour in the broader risk area, with localized 2 to 4 inch totals possible where cells train. That makes low spots, small streams, construction zones and fast-ponding streets the practical trouble areas for Martinsville, Henry County, Danville, Reidsville, Greensboro and Roanoke viewers.

Drivers should avoid flooded roads, give extra room around work zones and watch for updated local warnings if storms develop over the same part of the corridor this afternoon or tonight. The forecast can shift quickly with thunderstorm placement.

Source: Reporting based on the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center excessive rainfall discussion and short-range forecast discussion valid May 26, 2026, wpc.ncep.noaa.gov. Local impacts are inferred from the regional risk area and Star News coverage communities.