Risk of severe weather increases

By Elizabeth Gardner, WRAL meteorologist

Raleigh, N.C. — The U.S. Storm Prediction Center upgraded the Triangle’s threat for severe weather on Friday to a level 4 of 5.

That means the area is at a moderate risk for severe thunderstorms, particularly in the evening.

“We hardly ever see a risk that’s this high in our area,” meteorologist Elizabeth Garnder said, adding that it’s important to have a severe weather preparedness plan for yourself and your family.

The storm system is expected to come in two waves, Gardner said: one around midday and one in the evening.

Isolated thunderstorms are possible between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and the risk for intense storms increases between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.

The storm system is expected to bring dangerous winds, large hail, downpours and possible tornadoes.

It has already produced tornados, wind damage and hail from Texas to Missouri.

An inch to an inch and a half of rain is expected.