North Carolina Weather | Afternoon rain expected across central North Carolina; isolated tornado possible: First Alert Day

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Severe storms are possible across central North Carolina Monday afternoon.

A severe thunderstorm struck Durham, Granville, Wake and Franklin counties around 3:15 p.m. and lasted for more than an hour.

The storm brought flash flooding to some areas, including a service road off Highway 15-501 in Durham. The driver of a white truck crashed into a hole in the ground while trying to take a shortcut to avoid a flooded sidewalk.

In Raleigh, more flash flooding trapped a car in rapidly rising water. The incident happened at East Millbrook Road and Hoyle Drive around 4:30 p.m., causing traffic in the area to be detoured onto Capital Boulevard, causing severe congestion.

ABC11 crews on scene said the water covering East Millbrook Road was about 2 feet deep.

There have been no reports of serious injuries from the storm.

There are currently no severe thunderstorm warnings in effect. However, a flash flood warning remains in effect for Durham and Orange counties until 6:15 p.m.

Storm activity is expected to continue throughout the afternoon with periodic storms. That's why the National Weather Service placed much of the region under Severe Risk Level 1 on Monday.

Heavy rain and strong winds are the biggest threats Monday; tornadoes spinning with these storms are unlikely, but not impossible.

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Looking to the future

More scattered showers and storms are expected this week. Highs will be near 90 on Tuesday and Wednesday before falling back to lows around 80 on Thursday and Friday.

The wet pattern could be broken this weekend as a cold front slowly moves through the region.

A few showers/storms are possible Saturday. Sunday looks to be the driest part of the weekend. Highs will be in the mid/upper 80s.

A large tree fell on Brandywine Road in west Raleigh Monday morning, downing some power lines. Dozens of people were without power.