ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Buncombe County and much of Western North Carolina through Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The watch, issued by the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, is in effect until 10 p.m. Monday.
Buncombe County is among the Western North Carolina counties included in the watch. It also covers Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey counties.
A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. Residents should remain alert for possible warnings and be prepared to move indoors if severe weather approaches.
The watch includes the potential for storms across a broad portion of North Carolina, with additional counties extending into central and northeastern parts of the state.
The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor weather updates and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.
What to do: If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your location, move indoors to a sturdy building and stay away from windows. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.