As North Carolina prepares for storms on Thursday (March 18), the threat of more severe weather continues to grow. According to WRAL, all of central North Carolina is under a rare Level 4 risk for severe weather, meaning tornadoes could touch down, bringing along thunderstorms, damaging wind, and hail the size of an egg.
"This has the potential to do even more damage than we though yesterday," said meteorologist Elizabeth Garnder.
Light rain showers may fall throughout the morning, but storms are expected to hit central North Carolina in waves after noon. Charlotte and the Triad could start to see heavier weather between 2 and 6 p.m. while Raleigh could be hit from 3-7 p.m. WRAL reports a moderate to high risk for tornadoes in the Triangle through 7 p.m. Thursday.
Referencing the Level 4 severity, Gardner said, "It's highly unusual to have a risk level this high."
In preparation of terrible weather conditions and the impact on travel, Durham Public Schools announced that all students will learn remotely on Thursday. Other districts followed suit, a list of which can be found on WRAL here. Additionally, several vaccination centers in Wake County have canceled all appointments on Thursday and have rescheduled them for Friday at the same time.
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