Severe storms, tornado threat target Central North Carolina Monday as Level 4 risk issued

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Central North Carolina is bracing for a significant severe weather outbreak Monday as the region falls under a Level 4 “Moderate Risk,” according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh.

School Closings & Delays for Monday

Chapel Hill-Carrboro: Closed
Durham County: Closed
Harnett County: Remote Learning
Johnston County: Closed
Lee County: Closed
Moore County: Closed
Orange County: Closed
Robeson County: Closed
Wake County: Closed
Wayne County: Dismissing 3 hours early

Forecasters say a powerful line of storms is expected to sweep across the area Monday afternoon and evening, carrying the potential for widespread damaging winds topping 75 mph. Meteorologists warn there is also a 15% to 30% chance of strong tornadoes and large hail.

The threat comes after a quieter Sunday, when scattered afternoon thunderstorms could produce isolated damaging wind gusts or a brief tornado, the NWS said in its Sunday Hazardous Weather Outlook.

A strong cold front will drive Monday’s severe weather, with widespread thunderstorms expected throughout the day. The greatest risk is focused across the eastern Piedmont, Sandhills and Coastal Plain.

Rain chances will increase late Sunday, with evening storms likely before 1 a.m. Temperatures will hold in the low 60s overnight.

On Monday, highs will reach near 70 degrees ahead of the front. South winds may gust up to 36 mph even outside thunderstorms. Rainfall totals could reach threequarters of an inch.

Storms are expected to diminish late Monday night as colder air rushes in. Lows will plunge to around 31 degrees, with west winds gusting up to 32 mph. A slight chance of lingering showers may persist through early Tuesday.