Raleigh, N.C. – Showers and thunderstorms will intensify across North Carolina Friday afternoon and evening, bringing threats of damaging winds and excessive rainfall to much of the state. Temperatures will cool into the 80s following the storms, with even lower highs expected by Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, the most severe impacts are expected across southern and western portions of the state. A Marginal Risk for severe thunderstorms is in effect, with damaging wind gusts being the primary concern. The Excessive Rainfall Outlook also places areas including Charlotte, Fayetteville, and parts of the Sandhills in a zone of concern for flash flooding.
Drivers should remain alert for rapidly changing road conditions, especially during evening commutes. Avoid flooded roadways and secure outdoor items that could be blown around by gusty winds. Power outages may occur where storms are strongest.
This marks one of the first major cooldowns of the summer season, but the relief comes with instability. Expect lower humidity and cooler highs into the weekend, but rain chances will linger in spots through Saturday morning.
More advisories may follow later today as conditions evolve.
