RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The CBS 17 Storm Team has issued an Alert Day for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, due to the threat of severe thunderstorms and heavy rain that could produce flooding.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed central North Carolina in a Level 1 and Level 2 (Marginal and Slight) risk for severe weather on Wednesday.
A disturbance in the middle levels of the atmosphere will aid in the development of thunderstorms mainly to our west in the Piedmont; however, some of those storms could drift east toward our western communities. The main threats with these thunderstorms will be damaging wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour. The best chance for these severe storms will be between 5 p.m. and 12 a.m.
In addition to gusty winds, another threat from these storms will be heavy rain and isolated flooding. While this will not be the same type of rain and flooding event we experienced Sunday with Tropical Storm Chantal, isolated to scattered thunderstorms will be capable of producing quick bursts of heavy rain.
In general, 1 to 2 inches of rain is possible, with isolated areas that get stuck under persistent thunderstorms could easily pick up nearly 3 inches of rain. This heavy rain is unfortunately forecast over areas that are cleaning up from the flooding on Sunday, meaning some rivers may flood again due to runoff. Flooding is also possible in areas that flood easily.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Wednesday as a result of these flooding concerns.
Scattered thunderstorms with gusty winds and isolated flooding are also possible on Thursday. Stay weather aware through the end of the week with the CBS 17 Storm Team.
