HAMLET — Heavy rains expected over the next 24 hours has led to the cancellation of a Christmas tradition.
The Old-Fashioned Christmas event on East Hamlet Avenue— sponsored by the Hamlet Business Development Association— was called off because of the weather, according to Stephanie Thornsbury, director of the Hamlet Depot and Museums and downtown coordinator. She posted the announcement on the Downtown Hamlet NC Facebook page late Friday morning.
“We’re pretty disappointed,” said Bernice Owens, president of the association, who added the decision was made since most of the attractions— including the DJ, horse and wagon and dancers — wouldn’t be able to operate in the rain.
Owens also said it wouldn’t be able to be rescheduled for next weekend because of being so close to Christmas.
“But we’re going to put in on the shelf” and might do something in the spring, she said.
Thornsbury said the event was also cancelled last year, but the one on Main Street was still held.
Most of North Carolina is under a flash flood watch, according to the National Weather Service.
Meteorologists say an upper-level low pressure system is moving in from the west and is expected to cause heavy downpours and thunderstorms are also possible.
The watch went into effect at 1 p.m. and will continue until Saturday afternoon.
Rainfall totals could reach up to three inches. Runoff from melting snow and leaves blocking storm drains could compound flooding issues in several Piedmont counties.
Minor to moderate flooding is also expected on some rivers and streams later in the week.
Several South Carolina counties along the border are also under a flood watch.
