North Carolina commuters—don’t let calm skies fool you Friday morning. The real trouble starts in the afternoon. A powerful line of severe thunderstorms is expected to explode across the Triangle region, threatening to bring hail, damaging winds, and travel nightmares on I-40. If you’re planning to be on the road between Raleigh and Durham late Friday, now’s the time to rethink your route.
Here’s What’s Really Happening
The National Weather Service has placed much of central North Carolina—including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill—under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch heading into Friday afternoon and evening. Conditions are rapidly shaping up for dangerous storms to fire along a passing cold front that’s clashing with warm, humid air pouring in from the southeast.
Meteorologists are warning that some of these storms could become severe very quickly, producing:
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Damaging wind gusts over 60 mph
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Hail large enough to ding your car or break glass
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Blinding downpours that may cause hydroplaning
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Brief localized flooding, especially near underpasses and low-lying sections of I-40
Why This is a Big Deal for I-40 Travelers
I-40 is the main east-west artery cutting through the heart of the Triangle. On a normal day, it’s busy. On a stormy day? It can be a logistical nightmare. With thousands of commuters, delivery trucks, and out-of-town drivers funneling through this corridor, even a minor weather delay can create major backups.
Friday’s storms are expected to arrive just in time for the afternoon rush, catching many off guard. If rain begins falling around 2–3 p.m., it could slam directly into peak travel along I-40, between exits for Downtown Raleigh, RTP, Chapel Hill, and RDU Airport.
Here’s what to expect:
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Sudden downpours reducing visibility to near zero
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Wind-driven rain making lane changes dangerous
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Fallen branches or debris that could obstruct roadways
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Emergency response delays due to traffic congestion
Your Hour-by-Hour Breakdown
Friday Morning:
Mild and partly cloudy. You may not think twice about bringing an umbrella—but don’t be fooled. Highs in the upper 70s.
Friday Afternoon (2–7 p.m.):
Storms likely to develop and intensify. Expect frequent lightning, gusty winds, and the highest risk for hail or downed trees. Travel becomes hazardous, especially on highways like I-40.
Friday Evening:
Storms gradually taper off, but wet roads and scattered debris will linger well into the night.
What You Can Do Now
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Avoid afternoon travel if possible. Consider working remotely or leaving work early.
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Charge your phone and make sure your weather alerts are turned on.
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Secure outdoor items—strong gusts could send trash bins and patio furniture flying.
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Slow down on the roads and leave extra space between you and the car in front.
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Never drive through standing water. It might be deeper—and more dangerous—than it looks.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
Once the storms pass Friday night, Saturday and Sunday bring some relief. Expect partly sunny skies, a few leftover clouds, and cooler temperatures in the 70s. But don’t rule out a stray afternoon shower on Saturday. It’s not over yet, but the worst is likely Friday.
Bottom Line
Friday afternoon could be one of the most disruptive travel windows of the week in the Raleigh-Durham area. With severe weather timing perfectly with rush hour, Interstate 40 could quickly become a gridlocked, rain-slicked hazard zone. If you don’t have to be out, don’t be.
Stay alert, stay safe, and check back for more real-time updates as the storms move in.
