RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The majority of residents in North Carolina's Sandhills are at increased risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
At 1:11 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the following counties in the CBS 17 viewing area, lasting until 8 p.m.:
- cumberland
- harnet
- hawk
- Lee
- moore
- sampson
This watch does not include communities within the Triangle, but Fayetteville, Lillington, Southern Pines, Sanford, Clinton and surrounding communities should be on alert for severe thunderstorms in the late afternoon.
CBS 17 Details
cumberland county news
A warm front is to the south and a low pressure system is to the west. As this system moves northeast, its warm front brings warm, muggy, unstable air that can produce strong to severe thunderstorms as the low pressure system moves through. While these storms can pose all kinds of hazards, we are primarily focused on damaging wind gusts, hail, and isolated tornadoes, especially during the 4 p.m.-midnight time frame.
The watch comes after Wednesday's severe risk (slight risk, level 2 out of 5) was shifted further south in the afternoon update. Severe weather is more likely south of the Triangle, but everyone should be on guard for storms that can bring heavy rain and frequent lightning strikes, in addition to damaging winds.
Wednesday is a warning day for the CBS 17 Storm Team. Stay up to date with the latest forecast changes here.
