Coastal North Carolina has been hit hard with heavy rainfall over the past several days.  Many communities along and east of Highway 17 have received in excess of 3 inches with localized amounts in excess of 5 inches.  Surges of tropical moisture combined with a stationary front generated the heavy rain.  The front has now dissipated and the tropical moisture will decrease over the next few days.  A cold front should push through the area by Thursday morning taking most of the moisture with it.  A stronger front will bring much cooler and even drier air by the weekend.  In fact, the coolest air since last spring will invade the area by Saturday, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s.  Dry conditions will stick around for several days once it gets here later this week.