Panovich: Severe weather threat winding down; get ready for rain

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The severe weather threat forecasted for the afternoon and evening was winding down across the western Carolinas Wednesday, according to chief meteorologist Brad Panovich.

“The activity is firing up to the east. I’m only watching a few lingering showers for the evening. Higher rain chances as we get closer to the weekend,” said Panovich.

A severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect for Stanly County until 10 p.m. Wednesday. A round of storms could move through overnight Wednesday into Thursday, but Panovich doesn’t believe those storms will have the potential to be severe. 

Panovich said an upper-level disturbance over the Ohio Valley, a stalled front south of the Carolinas, and a big plume of moisture over Texas will bring plenty of rain to Charlotte through the weekend.

It’s almost a guarantee everyone in the Carolinas will see some rain through the weekend. In the mountains, Panovich said some areas could possibly see anywhere from 3 to 7 inches with the Piedmont and Charlotte expecting 2-3 inches of rain.

“If you don’t see rain today, you will see it eventually,” Panovich said. “We’re going from 23 days without rain to severe weather and the potential for heavy rain over the next couple of days.”