Multiple watches are in effect until Friday evening for the region. A Tornado Watch is in effect for Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties until 8 p.m., while the rest of the region is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. The severe threat will continue to evolve across the Carolinas today as a strong storm system pushes east.
A strong upper level low lifting through the Ohio Valley is helping to strengthen a surface low racing toward the Mid-Atlantic. This is driving a cold front into the Carolinas this afternoon, while drawing in warm moist air ahead of it. This combination is creating instability that will fuel storm development through the early evening.
The mountains are in a more favoarble zone for isolated tornadoes due to better wind shear and more discrete cells. The Piedmont and Foothills are in a more favorable zone for damaging wind as storms merge into a broken line and race through the region.
PREVIOUS UPDATE 5/29
A strong cold front will sweep through the region Friday afternoon triggering scattered to widespread thunderstorms, some of which could turn severe during the afternoon to early evening. The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of the region under a level 2 (out of 5) severe risk, which means scattered severe storms are possible, and some could be strong enough to produce damaging wind gusts, large hail and even a tornado.
The setup is driven by a deepening upper level trough crossing the eastern U.S., paired with a strong jet stream overhead and a surge of warm, moist air ahead of the front. Instability will likely be high, where clouds clear earlier in the day, while bulk shear will be strong enough to support supercells and bowing line segments.
Main Threats
- Damaging Wind Gusts (40-60 mph+)
- Large Hail (Quarter+ Sized)
- Isolated Tornadoes (low, but non-zero threat)
Storms are expected to develop in the mountains shortly after midday, then push east across the Foothills and into the Piedmont through the afternoon, likely reaching the Charlotte metro region between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. during the evening commute. The severe threat will likely clear by 8 p.m., with cooler and drier air following the front.
Get the latest updates on the severe threat from the WeatherWise team by downloading the WCCB Weather app.
