RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch Sunday afternoon for more than 20 counties in west-central North Carolina and the state's mountainous areas.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for areas beginning just west of the Greensboro area until 9 p.m. as a line of severe thunderstorms moves eastward Sunday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The same storm system coming from Western North Carolina could move into the Raleigh area starting around 9 p.m. Sunday, according to CBS 17 forecaster Lance Bullock. The storm system Sunday night could strengthen in some areas, but will weaken quickly.
Related: Click here for the interactive weather radar
A risk of Level 1 and 2 severe weather is expected for the Raleigh area in central North Carolina on Monday, according to the CBS 17 Storm Team.
According to CBS 17's future forecasting model, the storm is expected to hit Durham and Raleigh on Monday after 7 p.m.
Related: Click to see the daily CBS 17 Storm Team weather forecast
Forecasters on Sunday issued severe thunderstorm watches for western North Carolina.
“Damaging thunderstorm wind gusts and one or two tornadoes will be the main severe weather risk, with locally large hail possible,” the severe thunderstorm watch said.
The National Weather Service also said scattered wind gusts of up to 70 mph were possible.
Scattered hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter is also possible in the warning area.
A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop in and near the watch area.
Severe thunderstorm watches are in effect for the following areas in North Carolina:
Alexander County
Allegheny County
Ashe County
Avery County
Buncombe County
Burke County
Caldwell County
Catawba County
Davie County
Haywood County
Iredell County
Madison County
McDowell County
Mitchell County
Rowan County
Surry County
Swain County
Watauga County
Wilkes County
Yadkin County
Yancey County
The severe thunderstorm watch area stretches approximately 60 miles north to south along a line from 55 miles west-northwest of Bristol, Tennessee to 20 miles northeast of Dublin, Virginia.
