Threat 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.

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.