Severe weather likely in Raleigh area on Wednesday. Here’s what time storms roll through
For the most updated forecast, read this story.
A storm system expected to move across central North Carolina this week will bring the risk of severe weather, with strong gusty winds and brief but locally heavy rainfall, the National Weather Service said.
There is a chance of tornadoes as the system moves through.
Here is the forecast.
When are storms expected in the Raleigh area?
Wednesday, March 5, is the day to watch, as a cold front moves in from the west and crosses North Carolina.
Rain is expected from the mountains to the coast on Wednesday, with the highest accumulations in the central and eastern parts of the state.
In Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, there’s a chance of showers before 10 a.m. Wednesday. Expect showers and possibly thunderstorms between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Showers and storms are still possible after 3 p.m. but not as likely. The high temperature in the Triangle should be around 70 degrees.
In the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. window especially, storms could be severe, with heavy rain, strong winds and possibly hail. Up to an inch of rain is possible, the Weather Service said.
A few storms could redevelop in the late afternoon or early evening Wednesday, forecasters said.
Sustained winds on Wednesday will be from 16 mph to 20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, forecasters say. Winds should drop some on Wednesday night, but could still gust to 22 mph.
Tornadoes are possible Wednesday as the system moves through; the Weather Service rates the risk of severe weather as moderate, or 3 out of 5, with the greatest threat coming between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Thursday will be sunny and cooler, with a high near 54, and still breezy. Sustained winds will be 10 mph to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
How much rain will Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill get?
All of central and Eastern North Carolina could see from a half-inch to an inch of rain from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday, the Weather Service says. The village of Hatteras could see up to an inch and a half.
Are tornadoes likely?
As of Tuesday, the Weather Service said there is a moderate chance of severe weather from Wednesday morning to afternoon. That could include severe thunderstorms with hail, damaging straight-line wind gusts or perhaps a tornado.
Be prepared
Make sure emergency notifications are turned on in the weather app on your cell phone so you’ll get warnings for severe weather where you are. There’s no charge for the emergency alerts, and a tornado watch or warning can give you time to get to safety.
This story was originally published March 3, 2025 at 2:50 PM.
