ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning Wednesday afternoon for parts of Western North Carolina, including southwestern McDowell, west central Rutherford, northeastern Henderson and southeastern Buncombe counties.
The warning is in effect until 3 p.m.
At 2:22 p.m., meteorologists detected a severe thunderstorm about 16 miles east of downtown Asheville, near Chimney Rock Village. The storm was moving north at about 5 mph.
Hazards include winds up to 60 mph and penny-size hail, according to radar indications. The storm could cause damage to trees and power lines.
Areas likely to be impacted include Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village, Chimney Rock State Park, Bat Cave, Gerton, Fairview, Black Mountain and Swannanoa.
Residents in the warning area are advised to seek shelter immediately in an interior room away from windows. The storm may also produce frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, which poses additional danger.
Most of Western North Carolina remains under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until midnight tonight.