Raleigh, North Carolina – Residents across central North Carolina may have only a short window Monday morning before severe thunderstorms begin developing, with the highest risk for damaging winds and isolated tornadoes arriving during the afternoon and evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a Level 3 “Enhanced Risk” for severe storms is in place Monday across much of central North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Fayetteville and surrounding communities. Storms could begin forming by late Monday morning, with supercells capable of producing isolated tornadoes before a stronger line of storms develops later in the day.
The greatest threat window is expected Monday afternoon through the evening commute as a cold front pushes east across the state. Forecasters say storms may organize into a line capable of producing damaging wind gusts that could exceed 60 mph, particularly along major travel corridors such as Interstates 40, 85 and 95.
Cities including Charlotte, Chapel Hill, Greenville and Wilmington may also see strong storms as the system tracks toward the coast late Monday. The primary threats include damaging straight-line winds, brief tornadoes, and isolated hail.
Residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings Monday and review shelter plans ahead of time. Severe weather watches or warnings could be issued quickly as storms begin developing late Monday morning and intensify into the evening.
