Severe threat shifts to Eastern N.C., wind advisory remains in effect locally

The main line of storms has cleared areas west of I-73, with the last of the morning storms bringing moderate to heavy rain and gusty winds to Chesterfield and Richmond Counties. The Storm Prediction Center will likely expand another Tornado Watch east of the region to cover building instability in the Eastern Carolinas this afternoon. Scattered showers and a few storms will be possible this afternoon for the Piedmont, but the severe threat will be limited locally with gusty winds remaining the main concern.

The Wind Advisory remains in effect through this evevning. Gusts of 30-50 mph are still possible for the Piedmont with higher gusts across the Mountains tonight. Expect scattered power outages to linger through this evening.

Northwest flow will lead to snow as temperatures fall tonight for the mountains. Snowfall totals of 1-4″ will be possible across the high country with the highest totals near the TN border. The snow will taper off by midday Thursday.

Thursday will be much colder with wind chills in the teens and 20s Thursday morning. It will remain breezy through the day with highs only reaching the mid 50s.

PREVIOUS UPDATE 5AM 3/5

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A powerful storm system is racing toward the Carolinas. Heavy rain, strong winds and possible severe storms will move through Wednesday morning.

Severe threat:

• Main threat: damaging gusty winds
• Winds will be strong even outside of thunderstorms
• Localized flooding also possible
• Spin-up tornado or two can’t be ruled out

Timing:

• 5 am – 12 pm
• Moving through Charlotte 7 am – 10 am

It is important to have at least two ways to receive warnings.

• The easiest and least expensive way is downloading the free WCCB Charlotte weather app
• NOAA weather radio
• Turn emergency alerts ‘on’ on your smartphone. Go to Settings -> Notifications then scroll down and be sure all 3 of the alerts are switched to on.

There are Wind Advisories in effect for the entire area with wind gusts up to 50 mph.

Due to the strong winds, several schools have been canceled, delayed or are operating on remote learning. For an updated list, click here.

WEDNESDAY AM UPDATE

As of Tuesday morning, a strengthening low pressure system is moving out of the Central Plains and tracking toward the Great Lakes. The system will continue to pull warm, moist air north from the Gulf ahead of a strong cold front, setting the stage for the severe threat to spread across the deep south today and into the southeast Wednesday.

The Storm Prediction Center now has highlighted areas east of I-77 as a level 2 and 3 (out of 5). The severe threat will be greatest from 4am – 12pm Wednesday.

The primary severe threats include:

• • Damaging straight-line winds
  • Heavy rain
  • Hail
  • Spin-up tornadoes

This storm will produce strong winds throughout the day, even outside of the main line of thunderstorms. A High Wind Warning is in effect for elevations above 3500′ where gusts could reach 60+ mph. Wind Advisories have been posted for the entirety of the Piedmont and Foothills for potential wind gusts above 40 mph.

A strong line of thunderstorms will pass through the WCCB Charlotte viewing area by daybreak. Embedded damaging gusts 60+ mph will be possible, along with the potential for a few rotating storms within the main line east of I-77. Winds will remain gusty after the main line passes through with isolated storms possibly redeveloping east of the region toward the coast Wednesday afternoon.

Make sure your devices are charged, and you have multiple ways to receive wether alerts as scattered power outages will be possible.

Winds will remain gusty with temperatures falling quickly Wednesday night. Snow accumulations will be possible across the mountains before tapering off early Thursday.

Download the WCCB Weather App for the latest updates on Wednesday’s Severe Threat.

PREVIOUS UPDATE MONDAY 3/3

A powerful system will sweep into the Carolinas Wednesday, bringing the risk of severe thunderstorms, damaging wind  and isolated tornadoes. The most intense weather is expected Wednesday morning through the early afternoon, but strong winds will persist well after the storms move away from the region.A cold front associated with a rapidly strengthening low pressure system will bring the threat of severe weather to the Deep South Tuesday before eyeing the Carolinas Wednesday.Ahead of the front, strong southwesterly winds will pull in warm, humid air, creating fuel for thunderstorm development. Intensifying upper level winds will create a highly sheared environment, making damaging winds a primary concern locally. Due to the timing of the storms, instability will be limited. The tornado threat is low, but not zero with the best chance for isolated tornadoes east of I-77 where there may be enough instability as the line moves through during the late morning. If the line slows and moves through later in the day, then the severe threat may increase for the area.Severe storms and the threat of tornadoes will be likely embedded within the main line. However, even after the cold front, gusty northwest winds 35-45 mph will be possible through Thursday.

Download the WCCB Weather App for the latest updates on Wednesday’s Severe Threat.