NORTH CAROLINA — Another active afternoon and evening of scattered storms is expected across North Carolina Sunday as a cold front approaches the region from the north. Increasing CAPE values exceeding 2,000 J/kg combined with an unstable atmospheric lapse rate will support the development of showers and thunderstorms through the afternoon and evening hours.
Not every location will see storms, but forecasters say the ones that do develop could turn strong to severe, with gusty to damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning identified as the main threats statewide.
Gusty Winds and Downbursts Are the Primary Concern
Forecasters say gusty winds and downbursts will be the main threat as storms develop Sunday afternoon, with a couple of storms capable of reaching strong to severe criteria across the state. The combination of a cold front and rising instability is driving the setup.
Future radar simulations show scattered storm activity developing across the Piedmont and central North Carolina by 3 p.m., including areas near Winston-Salem, Durham, Raleigh, and Charlotte, with additional cells expected farther east through the evening.
Heavy Rainfall and Frequent Lightning Add to the Threat
Beyond the wind threat, storms that do develop are expected to produce heavy rainfall and frequent lightning, adding to the overall impact for areas that see the strongest cells. These hazards are consistent with the active pattern North Carolina has seen in recent days…