Raleigh, N.C. – Damaging winds and hail could impact millions across North Carolina Wednesday evening, as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect for 63 counties until 12 a.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, a very moist and unstable air mass is fueling scattered thunderstorms moving across central and western parts of the state, with gusts up to 75 mph and hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter possible. The watch stretches from the Blue Ridge to the coast, including cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Greensboro.
Counties under the watch include Wake, Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Cumberland, and Guilford, among others. These storms are expected to track slowly southwestward, increasing the threat of downed trees, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions, particularly along I-40, I-85, and US-74.
Residents should secure outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay inside sturdy buildings through the evening hours. Keep mobile devices charged and enable emergency alerts in case warnings are issued.
The NWS may upgrade portions of this area to warnings as conditions evolve. Further updates are expected before midnight.
