Winds remain gusty, mountain snow tonight

Nicole Madden,

The cold front is pushing closer to the region this morning. A line of severe storms will likely develop bringing the threat of damaging wind, heavy rain and even embedded tornadoes. The worst of the severe threat will be during the morning commute for the Charlotte metro region with the storms clearing the area by midday. These storms will move through very fast. Winds will remain gusty all day with snow likely across the mountains this evening as temps fall quickly areawide tonight.
SEVERE THREATS
Damaging Wind = Biggest Concern
50-60 mph gusts possible, Up to 70 mph gusts for the mountains
Expect power outages and downed trees
— this is even outside of the main line of storms this AM
Tornadoes – Embedded within the line of storms
Quick spin ups possible, especially east of I-77, where instability increases just a bit
These form fast, and usually fade just as fast
Heavy Rain – Localized Flooding
Storms will be moving too fast for widespread flooding
Blinding downpours will reduce visibility

Gusty Winds Stick Around All Day

30-40 mph gusts through the afternoon
Wind Advisory until 7pm for Piedmont and Foothills
High Wind Warning = up to 70 mph gusts for the Mountains
TIMELINE
5-7 AM – Mountains and Foothills — east of 321
Storms are slightly weaker due to the terrain

Strong gusts and heavy rain still likely
Gusty winds throughout the day w/ falling temps
Mountain Snow Showers w/ 1-4″ near the TN border tonight

7-9 AM – Charlotte Metro Region – Near I-77 Corridor

Severe threat increases near and east of I-77
Damaging Gusts 50-60 mph = main concern
Isolated Tornado Threat
Heavy Downpours
Gusty Winds 30-40 mph through the day

9-11 AM – East of I-77

Highest Severe Threat for the Area
Damaging Gusts 50-60 mph = main concern
Embedded Tornadoes within the line of storms possible
Gusty Winds throughout the Day
Storms will clear by midday but winds will remain gusty. Temps will fall fast tonight into the 30s. Snow for the mountains with up to 1-4″ near the TN border. Thursday will be breezy and cool with highs in the mid 50s. Quiet and warmer Friday, before another cold front brings more rain and scattered storms this weekend.