ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A line of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to sweep across parts of northeast Georgia, Upstate South Carolina and the far Western North Carolina mountains this evening, according to the National Weather Service.
The storms are forecast to move eastward throughout the evening, with a second round possible overnight. The greatest risk for severe weather lies west of Interstate 26. Forecasters said the primary threat is damaging wind gusts, but a brief, isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, particularly along and west of I-26.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for portions of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee until 9 p.m.
As the storm system approaches, officials urge people with outdoor plans to stay alert and be prepared to seek shelter if warnings are issued. Confidence is growing that the storm line could bring widespread damaging winds, particularly in the higher elevations and western zones.