News Summary
Severe thunderstorms are set to impact North Carolina, bringing large hail and strong winds. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for several counties. Late Thursday, storms will develop, potentially leading to significant damage and even injuries. Concerns grow over hail sizes reaching up to 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts of 35 mph. Flash flood watches are in place as well, with ongoing utility outages reported. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and monitor local weather updates.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Severe thunderstorms are expected to sweep across North Carolina beginning late Thursday, May 8, with the potential for large hail and strong winds causing significant damage and injuries. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for various counties, signaling that the worst of the weather conditions will unfold during the nighttime hours, particularly in the mountainous regions and moving east into Charlotte by Friday morning.
Thunderstorms are anticipated to develop in the late afternoon on May 8 and persist into the evening. Meteorologists are concerned about the possibility of these storms becoming strong to severe, with a higher than usual risk for hail ranging from quarter-sized to egg-sized, and wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph. The storms are linked to a cold front that is expected to stall over the Southeast, thereby creating unstable weather conditions for several days.
Of particular concern is the forecast for hail, with the potential for hailstones exceptionally large, exceeding 2 inches in diameter. Hail typically forms when updrafts push water droplets into freezing layers of the atmosphere, allowing them to collide and grow before plummeting to the ground. These larger hailstones can fall at velocities greater than 100 mph, creating risks not only to property but also to personal safety.
As part of the ongoing weather forecast, severe thunderstorm warnings have been triggered for several regions, including parts of Davidson, Guilford, Randolph, Montgomery, Surry, Stokes, and Yadkin counties. Additionally, reports from Dobson, North Carolina, confirmed incidences of dime to quarter-sized hail. Consequently, a flash flood warning has been put into effect for southern Wilkes County, where rainfall totals are expected to range between 1-3 inches, with the possibility of an additional 0.50-1.50 inches of rain falling throughout the evening.
There is also a chance of isolated tornadoes developing as the severe storms progress overnight. The Storm Prediction Center has identified a “hatched” risk zone indicating heightened concerns for hail exceeding 2 inches in diameter. Strong winds and hail impacts have already been felt on Thursday, with reports of lime-sized hail springing up in Rutherford County.
Power outages have affected around 7,100 customers due to storm-related disruptions as reported by Duke Energy, whose restoration efforts are currently ongoing. An initial cause for damage to Duke Energy equipment was linked to a small animal, likely a squirrel. The utility company is working diligently to restore power in the impacted areas.
Overall weather conditions are predicted to improve slightly on Friday and throughout the weekend; however, forecasters warn that significant rainfall could return by late Sunday, continuing through Tuesday, which may again lead to challenges in managing flood risks.
Residents in affected areas are reminded to stay alert, monitor local weather updates, and take precautions as the severe weather approaches. Preparedness and vigilance could help mitigate risks associated with the oncoming storms.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorms Disrupt Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Charlotte Residents Prepare for Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Tornado Warning Issued for Multiple Counties in North Carolina
Severe Storms Impact Charlotte Area This Weekend
Construction Delay on Gilead Road Due to Severe Weather
Charlotte Welcomes an Action-Packed Weekend of Events
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Charlotte This Weekend
Charlotte’s Weather Update: Rain and Warmth Ahead
Rapid Weather Shift Expected in Charlotte
Prepare for Stormy Weather in Charlotte!
Additional Resources
- WXII12: North Carolina Storm Updates
- Google Search: North Carolina Storm Updates
- Charlotte Observer: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- News & Observer: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hail
- Fox Carolina: Severe Storms in Western North Carolina
- Google News: Severe Storms North Carolina
- WYFF4: Extreme Hail Threat
- Google Scholar: Hail Formation
