Severe weather overnight, tomorrow could bring damaging winds, rain

Severe weather will move into our area overnight and early Thursday morning, according to WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner.

Wednesday will be quiet and warm, with a high around 80 degrees in Raleigh, ahead of the storms.

The best chance for severe weather comes very early Thursday morning, Gardner said. The entire state is under a level 1 risk for severe weather, and areas southwest of the Triangle, including Fayetteville and Sanford, could see the most impacts.

The biggest risks will be damaging wind gusts, heavy rain and possible hail. Isolated flooding is possible.

Since many people will be sleeping when the severe weather begins, it’s a good idea to download the WRAL Weather app so you can be woken up by alerts if needed.

Storms and rain will continue into Thursday morning, the bulk of them moving through between 5 and 11 a.m. After the storms, Thursday and Friday will be mild, cloudy days, with highs in the low 70s.

The weekend looks sunny and warmer. Saturday will warm up into the mid 70s, and Sunday will feature a high in the 80s.