Radar image from wxunderground shows movement and intensity of precipitation over the last hour. Click to enlarge.

Periodic moderate to heavy rain has been the story of the week, and it continues early this morning as another widespread area of rain developed over the area. Showers and thunderstorms were reported around midnight, with widespread lightning and some local flash flooding. This heavy rain was in response to a weak warm front just to the south of the area. Isentropic lift (forcing to develop showers and thunderstorms) increased late Wednesday night, allowing the heavier rain to develop. The moderate to heavy rain is forecast to continue through Thursday morning. However, with time, this rain is expected to push north and west, and the rain should once again become scattered, with showers hanging around through afternoon. There is a chance that we may dry out by this afternoon, but at the present time forecast models remain inconsistent. Regardless, the few hours of dry conditions should be accompanied by some scattered showers Thursday evening. Luckily, Friday looks to feature improved conditions, and the possibility of some sunshine.