Gusts of 60 mph could bring wind damage to Triangle as strong storms move through

Raleigh, N.C. — Strong thunderstorms will roll through North Carolina as a cold front moves in Tuesday afternoon.

The storm system spawned tornadoes across the southern Plains late Sunday and early Monday, but it’s weakened since then, WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said.

North Carolina’s biggest risk is storm damage, as gusts could reach 60 mph, Gardner said.

Much of the state is under a level 2 risk for severe weather.

Along with wind damage, small hail and isolated tornadoes are possible.

Patch rain will start moving through Fayetteville around 7 a.m. and move north through the Triangle.

“Sometimes it doesn’t take a whole lot of rain, though, to make for a really messy commute,” Gardner said.

Showers will become more widespread between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Our best chance for storms will be around 2 or 3 p.m., Gardner said, as the system moves east from Charlotte.

Those storms will move through Rocky Mount around 5 p.m.

Those going to the State Fair on Tuesday may want to leave after lunchtime, Gardner said, before the worst of the storm hits.

Fair officials said they transmit any weather warnings through loudspeakers and will usher people to safe places on the Fairgrounds.

Rain could linger through 9 p.m., but the worst of the storms will be over by the evening, Gardner said.

Tuesday’s temperatures will reach 74 degrees, but Wednesday’s high will be only 67.

Wednesday and Thursday will be sunny, but the chance for showers returns Friday and into the weekend.