UPDATE: Be prepared for strong winds in Wake and Johnston counties Saturday afternoon

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An updated report was issued from the NWS Raleigh NC on Saturday at 3:01 p.m. for strong winds until 3:30 p.m. for Wake and Johnston counties.

Residents can look for wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

"At 3:01 p.m., Doppler radar tracked an area of strong winds along a line extending from near Cary to Fuquay-Varina. Movement was east at 40 mph," states the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects."

Locations impacted by the alert include Raleigh, Garner, Clayton, Knightdale, Lake Benson and Lake Wheeler. This includes the following highways: Interstate 40 between Mile Markers 292 and 313. Interstate 440 near Mile Marker 1, and between Mile Markers 12 and 16. Interstate 540 between Mile Markers 20 and 24.

The NWS comments, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Strong winds may occur well ahead of any rain or lightning. Do not wait for the sound of thunder before taking cover. Seek shelter immediately inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. for central North Carolina."

This alert is in effect until 3:30 p.m.

Source: The National Weather Service

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This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 2:28 PM.