ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The National Weather Service issued a severe weather alert Wednesday afternoon for parts of Madison and Buncombe counties as a strong thunderstorm moved through the area.
At 1:38 p.m., Doppler radar tracked the storm about 9 miles east of Marshall, near Mars Hill, moving east at around 10 mph. Forecasters warned the storm could produce wind gusts up to 40 mph.
The storm is expected to impact areas including Mars Hill, Flat Creek and Barnardsville through about 2:30 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service, gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and send unsecured outdoor objects blowing.
Residents outdoors were advised to seek shelter inside a building until the storm passes.