RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The CBS 17 Storm Team issued an Alert Day for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and Thursday, July 10, 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.
On Thursday, the severe risk increases to a level 2 for nearly all of central North Carolina. Scattered to numerous storms are likely after 4 p.m. through Thursday night, and will be capable of producing damaging winds and flash flooding.
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 4 p.m. and 12 a.m. Here’s what radar could look like by 6 p.m.
In addition to gusty winds, slow-moving storms could lead to isolated flash 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, meaning already swollen rivers may flood again due to runoff. Flooding is also possible in areas prone to flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Wednesday due to flooding concerns. It takes effect at 2 p.m. and runs through 2 a.m. on Thursday.
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.
