North Raleigh Today

The Governor of North Carolina, Josh Stein, alongside emergency management officials, has urged residents to prepare for potential severe weather on Wednesday. The state may experience severe storms, strong winds, possible flooding, and isolated tornadoes. "A medida que nuestro estado, desde la región montañosa hasta la región costera, afronta tormentas severas, fuertes vientos y e inundaciones potenciales a horas tardías de esta noche y durante todo el día de mañana, instamos a los norcarolinianos a mantenerse sintonizados a las estaciones locales del pronóstico del tiempo y a mantenerse seguros," stated Governor Stein. He also advised residents to have an immediate shelter plan if warnings for isolated tornado conditions are issued.

Some mountainous areas of North Carolina face a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) for severe storms tonight and into Wednesday morning. These could bring damaging wind gusts and intense local rainfall. A band of storms is expected to move from the western region before dawn on Wednesday towards the east as it strengthens. This will affect central regions by late morning and reach eastern areas by midday before moving offshore in the afternoon. There is potential for wind gusts over 70 mph with an Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) predicted for much of central and eastern North Carolina.

Ahead of this severe weather threat, dry conditions combined with wind gusts and low humidity increase wildfire risks today. Residents are advised against outdoor burning.

Preparation tips include seeking shelter inside sturdy buildings away from windows during inclement weather periods. Secure loose objects that might become airborne due to strong winds. Ensure mobile phones are charged with emergency alerts enabled to receive updates from local emergency agencies and the National Weather Service.

Residents should have plans ready if severe weather warnings are issued in their area. It's important to differentiate between Watch (possible inclement conditions) and Warning (expected dangerous conditions). For more preparation information, visit Readync.gov.