A Weather Impact Alert has been issued by the 13News Now Weather Impact Team for Saturday, June 7, due to the risk of strong to severe thunderstorms. These storms could bring heavy rainfall, hail, and damaging wind gusts.
A cold front is expected to approach the region, which will increase the potential for severe weather in Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina. The storms are likely to hit between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m..
What to Expect: Thunderstorms and Risk of Severe Weather
As the cold front moves in on Saturday afternoon, it will meet warm, humid air, creating conditions that are favorable for thunderstorms. These storms have the potential to be strong to severe, especially in northeast North Carolina.
The Level 2 risk (on a scale of 1 to 5) for severe thunderstorms applies to northeast North Carolina, while southeast Virginia is under a Level 1 risk. This means the threat is more serious for those in northeast North Carolina.
Timing of the Storms
The most likely time for severe weather is between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday. During this period, thunderstorms are expected to develop, bringing with them hail, heavy downpours, and gusty winds. These conditions could potentially lead to damaging winds of up to 60 mph. While an isolated tornado is also a possibility, it is less likely.
Key Hazards: Hail, Downpours, and Wind
The main dangers of the storms include:
- Heavy rainfall: The storms will likely bring high rainfall rates, which can result in localized flooding.
- Hail: Some storms could produce hail, which may damage vehicles, crops, and property.
- Damaging winds: Wind gusts of up to 60 mph could cause trees to fall, power outages, and property damage.
The high dew points will make the air more humid, allowing storms to form more easily. The increased moisture means we can expect tropical-like downpours and high rainfall rates as the thunderstorms move through.
What You Need to Do
If you live in or near the affected areas, it’s important to stay alert to changing weather conditions. When thunder roars, head indoors. Always keep an eye on the latest weather updates from the forecast on TV or online. These updates will provide current radar scans and important information about the timing and severity of the storms.
Stay prepared for strong to severe thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon and evening, particularly in northeast North Carolina. There is a chance of hail, heavy downpours, and damaging winds, so take precautions to stay safe. Always follow local weather alerts for the latest information and keep your safety a top priority.
