Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Rowan County – Large Hail & Damaging Winds Possible

Issued: May 8, 2025 – 4:30 PM
By: Rowan County Weather

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued Severe Thunderstorm Watch #242, effective until midnight tonight. This watch includes Rowan County and much of western and central North Carolina.

What This Means

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms that can produce large hail and damaging wind gusts. Residents across Rowan County should remain weather-aware through the evening.

Areas Included in the Watch

• Western and Central North Carolina, including Rowan County

• Parts of Northern Georgia, Western and Northern South Carolina, and Southwest Virginia

Primary Threats:

• Large hail, with the potential for isolated hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter

• Damaging wind gusts, potentially reaching 60 to 70 mph

• A potential cluster of storms could form this evening, increasing the risk for more widespread damaging wind

Timing:

• The watch is in effect from 4:20 PM until Midnight

• The greatest risk locally will likely fall between 6 PM and 10 PM, but conditions may remain favorable through midnight

What to Do:

• Have multiple ways to receive warnings (NOAA Weather Radio, wireless alerts, trusted weather sources)

• Charge devices in case of power outages

• Avoid outdoor activities during the evening hours

• Secure loose outdoor items that could be blown around by strong wind gusts

Aviation Note:

Storms may produce extreme turbulence and hail aloft up to 2 inches in diameter, with storm tops potentially reaching 50,000 feet.

Stay with Rowan County Weather

We will continue to monitor radar and provide updates throughout the evening. If warnings are issued, we’ll post immediately across our platforms.

Visit rowancountyweather.com for continued coverage.