WRAL Weather Alert Day: Flash flood warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, more than 80,000 power outages reported

RALEIGH, N.C. — Destructive storms on Tuesday brought down trees and knocked out power in the Triad as severe weather arrives in the Triangle.

There is a Level 2 elevated risk for severe storms and an excessive heat warning in effect on Tuesday, a WRAL Weather Alert Day.

A flash flood warning has been issued for Wake and Franklin counties until 8:15 p.m. Tuesday. Residents are advised to seek higher ground immediately and avoid areas where flooding will be possible.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect for Alamance, Chatham, Durham, Edgecombe, Nash, Halifax and Orange counties until 4:30 p.m. Heavy rain was coming down near the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, forcing people to wait in their cars before the early evening start time.

A severe thunderstorm warning is in place for Wake County until 6 p.m,, Franklin, Johnston, Wayne and Nash counties until 6:15 p.m. and for Edgecombe, Halifax, Wilson, Warren and Moore counties until 6:30 p.m.. The thunderstorm is bringing 80 mph wind gusts and half-dollar-sized hail.

Flood advisories have been issued for Wake, Johnston, Cumberland and Harnett counties until 8:45p.m., as well as Franklin and Nash counties until 8:30 p.m.

Heavy rainfall was being reported in Louisburg, Rocky Mount and North Hills as storms roll through the area.

WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell said with the wind gusts, these conditions need to be treated like a tornado warning.

“You need to get inside,” Campbell said. “80 mph winds are nothing to mess around with.”

Crashes, outages and downed trees caused by storms

A crash on I-40 west happened during the heat of the storms. According to authorities, over 32 cars are involved in the crash.

Authorities have closed I-40 westbound is closed between exit 274 and 276 as of 5:53 p.m..

As of 4:30 p.m., more than 75,000 power outages have been reported across the Triangle.

Trees in Durham are reported down, including on Duke University Road. Multiple roads in Durham have been closed due to the damage.

Most of central North Carolina, including the Triangle, is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 9 p.m., which indicates conditions are favorable for strong storms.

At 3:30 p.m., WRAL meteorologist Aimee Wilmoth reported strong winds south of Greensboro, where storm damage is likely. The storm could produce quarter-size hail, Wilmoth said.

More than 3,000 customers were without power in Guilford County, and there were calls of several trees and power lines down near High Point, where a tree fell on a home.

The biggest threats Tuesday will be damaging winds and a chance for localized flooding. People could see lightning and thunder, and an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out.