Nov 12, 2018
A strong low pressure system lifted northeastward into central North Carolina ahead of a strong cold front approaching from the west. There was fairly substantial lift over the region thanks to a strengthening low level jet and increasing diffluence aloft supplied by a 140 to 150 knot jet streaking northeastward across the OH Valley. All that combined with precipatable water values in the 1.5 -1.7 inch range set the stage for flash flooding across portions of central North Carolina.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 794738). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Orange County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.