Heavy rain and thunderstorms across central North Carolina have led to a flash flood warning for many counties on Thursday, including Orange County, Chatham County and Durham County.

The National Weather Service issued the flood warning shortly before 8:30 a.m., saying it will be in effect until 4:15 p.m. Thursday. The alert said several inches of rain are expected to fall in the area, potentially causing some roads to flood and nearby water to overflow. Motorists are encouraged to avoid driving through standing water and to be wary on the roadways.

Some flooding has already been reported in Chapel Hill. The town government issued an alert to the community Thursday afternoon, warning community members of several instances of reported high water. The areas include Willow Drive intersections at both Estes Drive and 15-501, several spots along Umstead Drive and South Estes Drive Extension.

As a precaution around its flood-prone areas, the Town of Hillsborough told community members it would be closing the Riverwalk greenway and Gold Park until further notice. Visitors are asked to heed the barricades set up by the town at trail entrances.

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