Severe weather moves out of Triangle, watch remains in effect for Johnston, Wayne, Nash counties

By Alfred Charles, WRAL.com managing editor

Raleigh, N.C. — Severe weather was moving out of the area Friday night after a line of storms brought hail, rain and winds to much of central North Carolina earlier this evening.

Large hail was reported in Apex and Edgecombe County, some of it damaging cars and windshields, according to social media posts.

WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell said as of 9:26 p.m., many areas were cleared from the severe thunderstorm watch.

But she said Johnston, Wayne and Wilson remained under a severe weather warning for several more hours.

As of 8 p.m., much of the Triangle was under a severe thunderstorm watch until 11 p.m.

The severe weather resulted in several last minute schedule changes to sports games being played throughout the Triangle.

Some parts of the county were under a severe thunderstorm warning that extend through 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.

Wind gusts were reported between 40 and 50 miles per hour.

The threat of severe weather Friday comes on the heels of stray storms that popped up around areas south of Fayetteville, which saw reports of downed trees and damaged buildings after storms Thursday night.

There’s a 30 percent chance of rain on Saturday as Friday’s cold front stalls. The high will be 87 degrees.

Sunday has another 30 percent chance of rain, with temperatures reaching 88 degrees.

Temperatures are expected to stay in the 80s next week.