RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — An updated forecast has expanded the Level 1 severe weather risk westward for Sunday, now covering a much larger portion of the region. The primary concern will be damaging wind gusts and pockets of small hail as storms develop during the afternoon hours.
Risk Area Expands Across the Carolinas and Virginia
The updated outlook now includes much of North Carolina, extending into parts of South Carolina and southeastern Virginia. Cities such as Raleigh, Fayetteville, Wilmington, and areas toward Virginia Beach are all within the expanded risk zone.
This westward expansion means more communities could see isolated strong storms compared to earlier forecasts, even though the overall risk level remains on the lower end.
Afternoon Storms Bring Wind and Hail Threats
Storm development is expected mainly during the afternoon and early evening hours on Sunday. While widespread severe weather is not expected, some storms could still become strong enough to produce damaging wind gusts.
Wind remains the primary threat, with gusts capable of knocking down tree limbs or causing brief power outages. Small hail is also possible in stronger cells, especially where storms intensify quickly.
Timing and What to Expect
The most active period looks to be Sunday afternoon into early evening, when daytime heating helps fuel storm development. Conditions should gradually improve later in the evening as storms weaken and move out of the area…