News Summary
Western North Carolina is facing severe thunderstorms and extreme heat, with warnings issued for multiple counties. Over 8,000 customers experienced power outages as a storm hit, while heat advisories indicate temperatures may exceed 100 degrees. Local governments are opening cooling stations to help residents cope with the oppressive heat. The National Weather Service warns of potential localized flooding from the storms, urging residents to stay safe and updated on weather conditions. Additionally, legislative changes in agriculture and reminders for healthcare compliance are notable developments in the area.
Asheville, North Carolina – Severe thunderstorms and intense heat are currently impacting Western North Carolina, prompting officials to issue multiple warnings and advisories. A thunderstorm on Wednesday night caused power outages affecting over 8,000 customers in the Upstate of South Carolina and more than 2,100 customers in Western North Carolina.
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for several counties, including Mitchell, Burke, Caldwell, and Avery, with watches remaining in effect across a broader area until midnight. The primary threats from these storms include damaging winds and heavy rains, which could lead to localized flooding.
In addition to the severe weather, heat advisories were issued for parts of central North Carolina, where temperatures are expected to soar to around 100 degrees on June 23 and reach 101 degrees on June 24. The humidity is expected to elevate the heat index to as high as 110 degrees on the 24th, creating dangerously hot conditions that could pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
To provide relief from the oppressive heat, local governments are opening cooling stations in several Triangle counties, offering residents a safe place to escape the high temperatures and humidity. Impacts from previous severe weather events are still being felt, particularly due to Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive damage and flooding one year ago. Ongoing repair efforts are underway along the Blue Ridge Parkway, as the National Park Service focuses on rebuilding mountain sides affected by landslides resulting from the storm’s heavy rainfall.
In a related note, the North Carolina Senate has made strides in agricultural policy by approving the 2025 North Carolina Farm Act on June 17. The Act passed with a vote of 31-14 and includes significant changes to agricultural regulations, including amendments that permit residents to purchase raw milk through herd shares. These legislative changes are intended to modernize the state’s agricultural practices and enhance the availability of farm products to consumers.
Amidst these local developments, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has reminded hospitals across the state to ensure they comply with federal law regarding emergency reproductive care, a reminder coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
In the sports world, the NBA draft has brought attention to local talent, as the Dallas Mavericks selected Duke forward Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick. Following this, the Charlotte Hornets picked Kon Knueppel at the fourth position, marking a notable presence of Duke players in the top selections of the draft.
As weather conditions continue to evolve, residents are urged to stay informed about ongoing advisories and take necessary precautions against extreme weather. The expected storms and high heat emphasize the importance of safety measures and preparedness for potential power outages and health risks associated with the high temperatures.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: South Carolina, North Carolina Power Outages
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- News & Observer: Weather Update
- Google Search: North Carolina Weather Advisories
- Charlotte Observer: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat Wave
- News & Observer: Storm Updates
- Google News: North Carolina Thunderstorm
