Storms Getting Big In The Carolinas & Virginia Now!

An article by Adrian Howard

Severe Storms Discussion:

We were talking about the potential that the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia could get in on the act for severe storms today. That is happening now, as big storms are beginning to fire, resembling supercell storm characteristics. At the time of this post, severe storms were located around Greenville SC, to around Newberry SC, to around Lancaster SC, to around Charlotte NC, to around Lexington, Winston-Salem and Greensboro NC, moving northeast. I am starting to get a little concerned that these storms may become more powerful than expected and A Tornado Watch has been issued for the risk area. Yesterday I talked about how cloud cover could be a factor in limiting severe storms, but satellite imagery has revealed that there has been breaks in the clouds and ample sunshine to cause destablization of the atmosphere. Strong to severe storms were already developing and continue to intensify. If you live in the Triad Region of North Carolina, eastern North Carolina and South Carolina, watch out, as storms could produces tornadic activity later today, but the main threat with these storm will be large, damaging hail and damaging straight-line winds in excess of 65 mph.

Satellite Imagery of Severe Storms Developing In The Region Of Concern, simuawips.com:

Vertical wind shear has increased, steep level lapse rates have increased and also moderate instability has increased, as well. This has created an environment supportive of supercell storms and linear storm structures. This situation is to be monitored carefully. Raliegh/Durham, monitor this weather situation closely. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for the risk area of North Carolina and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch continues for the area, as well. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, including tornadoes, large hail and also damaging winds in and close to the watch area. Skies maybe sunny in your location now, but rapidly changing weather conditions could affect your area in minutes or even seconds.

Radar Imagery Showing Severe Storms Developing noaa.gov:

If a severe thunderstorm threatens or a tornado is immenient take cover immediately. Do not wait to hear a tornado coming to take cover. Take cover immediately if your area is tornado warned. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your area, stay away from windows and doors and seek shelter immediately. Skywarn spotter groups, storm chasers and emergency management officials are encouraged to relay your reports to the National Weather Service. Stay tuned, as this is a fast developing situation!