Gov. Cooper: Take steps now to prepare for severe weather overnight

The region is under a level 2 risk for severe weather Sunday night and a level 3 risk early Monday, with damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes possible.

Download the WRAL Weather app for alerts on your mobile device.

Timing

A line of storms will move into the region Sunday afternoon, bringing rain to the Triangle by 5 p.m. All of central North Carolina is under a level 2 risk for severe weather Sunday evening, and heavy rain, gusty winds and isolated tornadoes will become more possible overnight.

After midnight, the threat for severe weather increases, and the region will be under a level 3, or elevated, risk. The worst of the weather will occur while most people are sleeping, making it particurally dangerous.

WRAL meteorologist Zach Maloch said the strongest storms will arrive Sunday night and linger until midday Monday. The best chance for severe weather will start around 3 a.m. with the bulk of the storms hitting the Triangle by 7 a.m.

Heavy rain and downpours overnight could lead to isolated flooding, and there could be wind damage, hail and tornadoes.

According to Sheerwood, there is a 10% chance a tornado will occur within a 25 mile radius of any given point in the viewing area (the areas shaded in yellow below) early Monday. As a reminder, a tornado watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted in the area and it is time to seek shelter.

Download the WRAL Weather app for alerts on your mobile device.

“This is the time to download that WRAL Weather app and track those storms with us as they move through,” said WRAL meteorlogist Peta Sheerwood.

Prepare for a power outage

Gov. Roy Cooper sent out a press release Sunday afternoon urging North Carolinians to prepare for power outages and severe weather overnight.

People were encouraged to turn on weather radios or charge their devices before bedtime to make sure they can recieve weather alerts in the middle of the night. Make sure your household knows where to gather to shelter in place if a tornado warning is issued. Keep batteies and flashlights handy and know how to report an outage to your power company.

The stay-at-home order will make grocery shopping more difficult once the severe weather is over. Prepare for power outages by having a cooler and ice ready to store refrgieraed or perishable foods.

Food will stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer if you keep the door closed. A half-full freezer will generally keep food frozen for 24 hours.

If you lose power, notify the utility company right away, officials said. Don’t rely on your neighbors to do it for you.