A fast-moving line of strong thunderstorms barreled across the Piedmont on Saturday night, throwing down frequent lightning and gusty winds that peaked around 30 mph in spots. Doppler radar and spotter reports showed the system racing southeast through central North Carolina, triggering urgent weather alerts as it swept from the Triad toward the Sandhills.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, radar tracked a cluster of strong storms stretching from near Thomasville to Badin Lake to about 10 miles southeast of Midland, charging southeast at roughly 55 mph. Forecasters warned that wind gusts in excess of 30 mph were possible and cautioned that those gusts “could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
Storm Track And Areas Affected
As reported by the News & Observer, the special weather statement covered Davidson, Randolph, Stanly, Montgomery, Moore, Anson, Richmond, Scotland and Hoke counties, listing communities from High Point and Asheboro all the way down to Laurinburg and Southern Pines. The outlet noted that the alert stayed in effect into the late evening as the line of storms pushed southeast across the Piedmont.
Interstates To Watch
The National Weather Service also flagged key stretches of Interstate 85 between Mile Markers 92 and 111, Interstate 73 between Mile Markers 26 and 84, and Interstate 74 between Mile Markers 78 and 79 as being directly in the storm’s path. Officials urged drivers on those routes to be ready for sudden gusts and possible downed limbs and to slow down, leave extra following distance and avoid parking under trees until conditions improve.
Safety And Lightning
The News & Observer relayed guidance from the National Weather Service that frequent cloud-to-ground lightning was occurring and that strikes can hit as far as 10 miles from the core of the storm. Anyone outside was urged to get to a sturdy building or vehicle. Local officials also reminded residents to secure loose outdoor items and to wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before heading back outside…