ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — North Carolina Emergency Management is urging residents to stay alert as a pattern of hazardous weather continues across the state, bringing the risk of severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and localized flash flooding through the weekend and into next week.
According to NCEM and the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, strong to severe storms are possible Thursday across portions of the Asheville area. Forecasters warn the storms could produce damaging wind gusts and locally heavy downpours, with the potential for isolated flash floods in urban, low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Daily thunderstorm chances are expected to persist into early next week, with the potential for some storms to become severe. Weather officials noted that a mesoscale convective system (MCS) could develop early next week, posing an additional threat.
High temperatures will climb steadily, reaching the mid to upper 90s in many areas outside the mountains by the weekend. Heat Advisories may be issued for portions of the state beginning Friday.
State officials are encouraging residents to:
- Sign up for local emergency alerts
- Visit ReadyNC.gov for preparedness information
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages
Here’s the National Weather Service forecast for the Asheville area:
- Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms with a high near 88. Chance of rain: 80%.
- Thursday night: Thunderstorms likely before 10 p.m. Patchy fog after 3 a.m. Low around 68. Chance of rain: 60%.
- Friday: Showers and storms likely after 11 a.m., with patchy morning fog. High near 87. Chance of rain: 60%.
- Friday night through Sunday night: Daily chances of storms continue, with highs in the upper 80s and overnight lows in the upper 60s.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts and remain weather-aware.