Hey, North Carolina! Monday’s weather is looking intense, and it’s not something you want to ignore. Starting at 3 PM, we’re expecting severe storms with damaging winds, heavy rain, and an increased risk of isolated tornadoes—and it’s not just a little summer shower. This is a storm that could cause real damage, and it’s expected to last until around 10 PM. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and prepared.
What to Expect:
First things first, the winds. We’re talking about gusts up to 70 mph—that’s strong enough to knock over trees, take down power lines, and even cause damage to buildings. So if you’ve got anything outside that could blow away, like garden furniture, grills, or outdoor decorations, now’s the time to secure them or bring them inside. Flying debris is a huge risk in storms like this, and we want to make sure you’re not caught off guard.
Next up is the rain. Expect heavy downpours that could lead to flash flooding, especially in areas that are prone to flooding. Roads could become dangerous quickly, so if you don’t have to be on the road, it’s best to stay put.
But here’s the big one: the tornado risk. While it’s not a certainty, the possibility of isolated tornadoes developing is high, especially between 4 PM and 7 PM. Tornadoes can form really fast, and when they do, they don’t give you much time to react. They can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time, so you’ll want to be ready just in case.
When Will the Storm Hit?
The storm will start moving into North Carolina around 3 PM. Things will get serious between 4 PM and 7 PM, with the highest risk of strong winds and tornadoes happening during that window. By 10 PM, the worst of the storm should be over, but there may still be some lingering effects like gusty winds and heavy rain.
Why Is This Storm So Dangerous?
It’s not just about one thing—it’s the combination of strong winds, heavy rain, and the tornado risk that makes this storm especially dangerous. The winds can cause property damage, blow down trees and power lines, and make it hard to even stay on the road. Heavy rain is going to cause flash flooding, so watch for rapidly rising water, especially if you’re in a flood-prone area. The tornado threat makes things even worse—tornadoes can appear suddenly and cause devastating destruction. So while this storm isn’t something to panic over, it’s definitely not something you want to take lightly.
How to Stay Safe:
-
Secure Outdoor Items:
Before the storm hits, go outside and make sure anything that could get picked up by the wind is either brought inside or secured down. Things like trash cans, chairs, and garden tools can become dangerous projectiles in these kinds of winds. It’s better to spend the time securing things now than to regret it later. -
Stay Informed:
It’s crucial to stay updated on the weather, so be sure to keep an eye on the forecast throughout the afternoon. A weather radio is great, but if you don’t have one, make sure your phone is charged and set to receive weather alerts. Don’t rely on social media alone—check the National Weather Service or other official sources. Tornado warnings can happen fast, and you’ll want to be the first to know. -
Stay Indoors:
Once the storm hits, stay inside. If you’re not already home, don’t risk being on the road. Driving during severe weather is dangerous, especially with heavy rain and strong winds. And if you hear tornado sirens or see dark clouds rolling in, head straight to your safe place—an interior room with no windows or a basement if you have one. -
Prepare for Power Outages:
Power outages are likely with the wind and rain. Make sure you’ve got a few flashlights, batteries, and water on hand. Charge your devices before the storm rolls in. If you rely on power for medical devices, make sure you have a backup plan ready. Consider having a portable charger or power bank on hand to keep your phone charged if the electricity goes out. -
Know What to Do if a Tornado Hits:
If a tornado warning is issued, don’t hesitate—head straight to your shelter. If you’re in a basement, great. If not, find an interior room with no windows and hunker down. Don’t take cover under an overpass or bridge—they’re actually dangerous places during a tornado. And if you’re out in the open, get to a sturdy building and stay low to the ground.
What Happens After the Storm?
By 10 PM, the worst of the storm will likely have passed, but that doesn’t mean everything will be back to normal right away. Fallen trees, downed power lines, and flooded roads are all things you could be dealing with. There’s a good chance some areas will be without power for a while, so expect some delays and disruptions. Patience will be key as crews work to clear debris and restore services.
This storm may seem like just another spring afternoon, but it has the potential to be far more dangerous than that. Strong winds, heavy rain, and the possibility of tornadoes make this a storm that you don’t want to ignore. However, by taking a few simple precautions—securing outdoor items, staying informed, and knowing what to do when things get bad—you can stay safe and weather the storm with confidence.
