Severe storms could bring wind, hail and heavy rain to Raleigh area. Here’s when
North Carolina is in for several days of potentially heavy rain including some strong storms that also could bring hail and dangerous winds, the National Weather Service says.
Here’s the forecast as of Thursday, May 8.
A hazardous weather outlook is in place
Strong storms are possible beginning Thursday afternoon across North Carolina, forecasters say, with a slightly greater likelihood in the western third of the state.
Friday into Saturday, the increased risk moves to the central and eastern parts of the state. Rainfall totals are expected to be less than 1 inch in most places across the region, but could be higher in areas of heavy storms.
Thunderstorms are expected to be widely scattered, but could come with bigger-than-golf-ball-sized hail, heavy rains and strong wind gusts, according to the Weather Service.
Winds could gust at up to 50 mph during storms in the Coastal Plain, forecasters said.
Heavier rain is coming next week
Heavier and more widespread rain is expected Monday through Wednesday, and forecasters say some flooding is possible as a low-pressure system moves out of the Mississippi Valley and makes it way across the southeast.
The chance of rain on Monday is 70% in Raleigh and the Triangle. There is an 80% chance of rain across the area on Tuesday and a 60% chance on Wednesday.
The statewide drought is easing
Recent rains have reduced the number of North Carolina counties experiencing drought. The map released May 8 shows 77 of 100 counties still abnormally dry or in moderate or severe drought.
In February, every county in the state was abnormally dry or in drought.
