Gaston County’s weekend is set to be one to remember, with graduation ceremonies taking place all weekend and a flash flood watch already in effect.
But the rain will have no effect on the graduating seniors special day.
Graduations set for this weekend will go on rain or shine, Bonnie Reidy, spokeswoman for Gaston County Schools said. Each graduation ceremony this weekend has an alternative plan if wet weather decides to crash the day.
The list of alternative venues in case of rain was sent out to parents in advance, Reidy said.
School officials encourage everyone attending graduation ceremonies to get there early.
Another event, more appealing for the rock and barbecue lover, Hog Happenin’, in Lincolnton will also go on rain or shine, said events marketing coordinator with the town of Lincolnton Abby Cole.
“Unless there’s a severe weather warning or alert then it’ll go on,” Cole said.
The barbecue will start at 6 p.m. Friday with cookers of the meat camping out all weekend, even in the rain if they have to, Cole said.
“They will probably just not be in a very good mood,” Cole said.
Molly Hatchet, a southern rock band, will also play Friday night under a cover from the rain if need be.
Could flood watch turn into a warning?
Tropical Storm Andrea has sent the rainy weather into Gaston County, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Flash Flood Watch for the Gaston County area through Friday evening.
A weather watch indicates the potential for severe or damaging weather conditions, according to the National Weather Service.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected on Friday afternoon, with a 90 percent chance of rain.
Localized rain bands are expected that could produce around 2 to 3 inches in a three-hour period. Those rains will continue leaving the ground saturated and several waterways with elevated water levels.
The National Weather Service warns that the heavy rainfall rates could cause areas of flash flooding in streams and creeks. Runoffs from those rains could also lead to flooding on roads and in drainage areas.
The flash flood watch will stay in effect until Friday afternoon. By then, the chance for rain will have dropped to 60 percent.
There will be chances of rain into Saturday, but it should be drying up around Sunday night.
You can reach reporter Lauren Baheri at 704-869-1842 or Twitter.com/lbaheri.