National Weather Service: Strong tornadoes and large hail possible Thursday

By WRAL Severe Weather Center

Expect widespread rain on Tuesday then an elevated chance for severe weather later this week.

According to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner, the Tuesday morning commute will be messy, and rain will continue to fall through the afternoon, likely heavy at times. With a high only in the mid 40s, it will be the coolest day of the week.

The intensity of the rain is expected to decrease by the evening commute.

“No matter where you are, it’s going to be a wet day, and it will be all day long,” Gardner said. At least 1/2 an inch of rain is expected.

Wednesday will be almost 20 degrees warmer and mostly dry, with a high in the mid 60s and partly cloudy skies. A stray shower is possible, but it won’t be a wet day.

On Thursday, much of North Carolina, including the Triangle, is under a Level 3 risk for severe weather. The National Weather Service is asking people to prepare for hail at least 2 inches in diameter, locally damaging winds up to 75 mph and even several tornadoes, which could be strong EF2 storms.

Timing would most likely be in the early afternoon through the evening hours, Gardner said, but we will know more on Wednesday.

It could be our first big severe weather event of the season, Gardner said. Thursday will also be the warmest day of the week, with a high over 70 degrees.

“Our biggest threat (on Thursday) will be wind damage, but tornadoes won’t be out of the question,” said Gardner.

There is a 30 percent chance for rain on Friday, and highs will stay around 60 degrees. The weekend looks mostly sunny and dry but colder, with highs in the mid to upper 50s for both Saturday and Sunday.