ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The risk for severe thunderstorms in Western North Carolina late Tuesday night, into early Wednesday is increasing. Because of the possibility of severe thunderstorms, Tuesday has been deemed a Weather Warn Day for the region.
Damaging wind is expected to be the biggest threat, with some tornadoes and hail also possible in some areas. Tuesday afternoon marks the calm before the storm with plenty of sunshine mixing with the clouds. High temperatures are heading to the 80s marking the warmest day so far this year.
We’ll manage to stay dry through the rest of the afternoon before showers move in Tuesday evening followed by a line of strong storms tonight.
The Storm Prediction Center has most of WNC, Upstate South Carolina and Northeast Georgia under an Elevated (Level 2 out of 5) Risk for severe weather, with a sliver of the far western mountains in Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties under a Level 3 Moderate Risk.
The main threat from overnight storms will come from damaging wind gusts. Otherwise, an isolated, brief tornado and hail can’t be ruled out. Residents are encouraged to spend Tuesday night in a sturdy building. Mobile homes are not considered safe in these weather conditions.
Those in the area are also strongly urged to have multiple ways to get weather warnings. Keeping your phone on and having a battery-powered weather radio is recommended.
The threat for severe weather shifts east out of our region Wednesday morning. Instead, we are left with strong, gusty winds and cooler temperatures for the rest of the day.
Make sure you have multiple ways of receiving weather alerts through the night! Learn how you can sign up for News 13 weather alerts here.
