Raleigh, NC – A potentially dangerous round of severe weather is expected to develop across central North Carolina Monday, with forecasters warning of tornadoes, destructive winds, and large hail as a powerful storm system moves across the state.
The National Weather Service in Raleigh says the region is under a Level 4 (Moderate) risk for severe storms, one of the higher threat levels issued by the Storm Prediction Center. The risk area includes Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Rocky Mount, and surrounding communities.
Forecasters say there is high confidence that a line of storms will move across central North Carolina Monday afternoon and evening, bringing widespread damaging wind gusts potentially exceeding 75 mph.
Embedded tornadoes are also likely within the line of storms. The outlook shows a 15–29% probability of tornadoes, with the potential for a few stronger tornadoes up to EF2 intensity.
There is also a 15–29% chance of large hail, with some stones potentially exceeding 2 inches in diameter.
Meteorologists warn that a few supercell storms could develop ahead of the main line, which would increase the risk for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.
Because of the high threat level, residents are urged to prepare in advance and have multiple ways to receive warnings, including weather radios and emergency alerts on mobile phones.
The most dangerous weather is expected during the afternoon and evening hours Monday, and officials recommend reviewing severe weather safety plans before storms arrive.
