(RALEIGH) -- North Carolinians will see clouds and an occasional rain shower on Wednesday before a strong storm system sweeps in overnight. Forecasters say the system could bring the potential for severe weather to much of the state a flooding rain to Western North Carolina.

"We do have a flood watch out for parts of the Triad and it extends back up into the mountains.  They could be receiving as much as 2 - 4 inches of rain in just a few hours, so there may be some flood problems further to the west," said Ron Humble, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

The heavier rain and storms are expected to roll in late Wednesday night. The chance for severe weather across much of the state will last until Thursday afternoon.