Western North Carolina is bracing for another period of increased flood risk as substantial rainfall is predicted across the region this week. Areas within the Mississippi and Tennessee valleys, including western North Carolina, are expected to receive significant rainfall that, while needed, also carries the threat of flash flooding. A cold front moving southward in tandem with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico is set to trigger multiple rounds of rain from Tuesday through Thursday. Forecasters predict rainfall totals could reach between 3 to 5 inches, with some isolated areas potentially experiencing as much as 5 to 8 inches.