This week is a stark reminder that severe weather season is here across the Southeast US.
We are monitoring a dynamic storm system exiting the Rockies and moving into the Southern Plains. This storm will bring severe weather to the Mid-South today where a rare “High Risk” (Level 5 of 5) has been issued centered over Mississippi. Life-threatening weather over parts of Dixie is expected later today.
The system will then move into Georgia and the Carolinas on Thursday bringing a round of damaging thunderstorms. The Storm Prediction Center has updated its Day 2 Outlook and has placed a large chunk of the Carolinas along and east of Interstate 77 in a “Moderate Risk” (Level 4 of 5) for severe weather.
Just west of the Moderate Risk is a (Level 3 of 5) Enhanced Risk and that extends back into our coverage area along the US 321 and US 74 Coridoor including parts of Lincoln, Catawba and Cleveland County. The rest of the coverage area is under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5)
Our area will need to monitor closely for any possible adjustments in the severe weather outlook.
The updated timeline for severe weather looks to be mid to late morning in our western counties of Rutherford and McDowell and extending into the early afternoon for eastern sections of Lincoln, Alexander and Catawba Counties…
Latest short range guidance points that out as well…
In terms of severe weather impacts, damaging winds and large hail are the biggest threats. We have placed winds at the high level with all the wind energy aloft.
The Tornado threat, while not as bad as it is further east, it still exists especially late morning and into early afternoon…
Please be “Weather Aware” on Thursday. If you have yet to download the Foothills Weather App, right now is a great time to do so. The App can can be a great source of vital information.