Issued: Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 2:00 PM ET
By: Foothills Weather Network
Heads up, folks! The atmosphere is heating up—literally and figuratively—across the western Carolinas and parts of southern Virginia this afternoon. The National Weather Service is closely monitoring storms forming over the Appalachian Mountains, and there’s an 80% chance a Severe Thunderstorm Watch will be issued soon.
Here’s what’s going on in simple terms:
What’s Happening?
Some thunderstorms are starting to pop up over the mountains right now. As warm, humid air continues pushing north and temperatures rise, conditions will become increasingly favorable for these storms to grow stronger.
What’s the Concern?
This afternoon and evening, these storms are expected to:
Grow in strength as they move east off the mountains Bring large hail, possibly between 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter Produce damaging wind gusts, with the strongest gusts possibly reaching 55 to 70 mph Initially form as individual strong storms, but then group together into clusters, increasing the risk of widespread wind damage
Some of these storms may even reach supercell strength, which are storms capable of producing very large hail and rotation—though the tornado risk today remains low, peak potential winds could briefly reach up to 95 mph in isolated cells.
What Should You Do?
Keep an eye on the sky and have multiple ways to get alerts. Secure outdoor items that could blow around. Be ready to move indoors quickly if a warning is issued. If you’re out and about later this afternoon or evening, have a plan to get to shelter quickly.
Next Steps
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is likely to be issued shortly, covering parts of western and central North Carolina, southern Virginia, and possibly into South Carolina.
Stay tuned—we’ll be posting updates as new information comes in.
—Foothills Weather Network Team
“Tracking storms so you don’t have to.”