WeatherWise Alert: rising severe threat will impact Charlotte weekend events
A Level 2 out of 5 risk has been posted for much of the Metro and northward for Saturday.
Some much-needed rain is making its way toward the Carolinas this weekend, but the severe weather threat is rising as a robust storm system approaches from the west. A blocking pattern will make this a slow-moving system, which means storms capable of producing damaging wind, hail and heavy rain will stick around longer. The threat of severe weather begins Friday with isolated to widely scattered storms, before becoming more widespread Saturday.
Storms will begin to fire up Friday afternoon after 3 p.m., with the severe threat highest between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. beginning in the mountains with spotty storms further east later in the evening. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted a level 2 (out of 5) severe threat for the mountains and Foothills. Damaging wind, hail, and heavy rain leading to localized flooding will all be concerns. Although the severe threat is lower for the Piedmont, isolated storms could still produce lightning and heavy downpours, which could impact the Kendrick Lamar concert and the Lovin’ Life Music Festival in Uptown.
The severe threat expands area wide Saturday with a level 2 (out of 5) severe risk for the Metro and northward. Storms will likely develop after 12 p.m., with the peak of the severe threat arriving in the evening. If you’re attending the Lovin’ Life Music Festival in Uptown Charlotte, make sure you are prepared to seek shelter in case of nearby lightning and possible delays due to the storms. Once again, damaging wind, hail and localized flooding will be the biggest severe threats. The cold front will enhance storm development, and the stagnant upper level low means sluggish storms may lead to localized flash flooding.
By Sunday, the cold front will be east of the region, but the upper level low will lead to wrap around moisture. This will keep the clouds locked in, with a few more showers. However, the severe threat will be limited and closer to the Carolina coast.
Download the WCCB Weather App to keep up on the latest updates with this weekend’s severe weather threat.
