Second Round of Severe Weather Friday

Let’s start out this Friday by sharing some good news: today’s severe threat has diminished slightly, especially for areas north and west of I-85. The bad news: strong storms are still in the forecast as damaging gusty winds, small hail, and a weak tornado or two are squarely within the realm of possibility.

Scattered showers begin by the early afternoon as a warm front lifts through the Carolinas; some of these will be heavy as we head later into the day. We’ll need to watch for any rotating thunderstorms, especially south and east of I-85, shortly before sunset.

The main threat remains damaging wind gusts approaching 60 mph in the strongest cells. Flooding won’t be as much of an issue as it was on Tuesday, but the pre-soaked ground from all of the rain earlier this week will exacerbate any problems. Any lingering showers or storms will clear out well before midnight.

Local School Districts Cancel After-School Activities

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and several other local school districts have canceled their after-school activities due to the threat of severe weather. Click HERE for more details.

How To Prepare For Incoming Storms

Protect Your Property

• If you think a storm may be approaching, cover windows with storm shutters, siding, or plywood.
• Move vehicles into garages when possible, or park them near your home away from trees.
• Move grills, patio furniture and potted plants into the house or garage.
• Loose objects in your yard can become missiles, so tie down anything you can not bring indoors.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts. Anchor any fuel tanks. Move furniture, valuables and important documents to a safe place.

TIMING

Friday noon – midnight

KEY POINTS

• Rain begins by noon, heavy at times
• Severe risk develops by evening commute (3-7 PM)
• All severe modes on table, wind is main threat
• Wind gusts approach 60 mph in strongest cells/squall line
• Tornado risk highest SE of I-85
• Stronger tornadoes possible in discrete supercells ahead of evening squall line

IMPACTS

• .5-1.5″ of rain across area, localized 2″+
• Pre-soaked ground from Tuesday will exacerbate any flooding
• Scattered power outages, downed trees
• Very poor travel conditions for Friday PM commute

BOTTOMLINE

Severe storms likely won’t be as widespread as they were on Tuesday, but they may be more focused. We’ll want to watch carefully for any rotating discrete cells ahead of a thin, but powerful squall line that arrives after sunset – gusty winds approaching 60 mph and a few quick spin-ups will be of concern by this point. You don’t want to be caught out on the roads later in the day. Stay weather-wise!