Enhanced Risk for Severe Weather Monday Across Rowan, Davie, and Davidson Counties

Moderate Risk Just East of the Area as Powerful Storm System Moves Through the Carolinas

A significant severe weather event is expected to develop across the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic on Monday as a powerful storm system moves across the eastern United States.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed Rowan, Davie, and Davidson counties in an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms, while areas just to our east across central and eastern North Carolina are under a Moderate Risk, indicating a higher coverage of severe storms and the potential for more intense impacts.

What the Risk Levels Mean for Our Area

An Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) means numerous severe storms are possible. These storms could produce:

• Damaging wind gusts

• Tornadoes, some potentially strong

• Large hail

• Heavy rainfall and dangerous lightning

The Moderate Risk (Level 4 of 5) just to our east suggests an even higher likelihood of widespread severe storms and a greater chance of significant tornadoes or destructive winds.

Timing for Severe Weather

Storms could begin developing early Monday morning, but the greatest severe weather risk appears to be late morning through the afternoon hours as the atmosphere becomes more unstable.

A fast-moving line of storms is expected to sweep across the region as a cold front pushes east across the Carolinas.

Because the storms will move quickly, conditions could change rapidly once they arrive.

Why This System Is Concerning

Meteorologists are watching several ingredients coming together that could support a widespread severe weather event.

A large upper-level storm system moving out of the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys will interact with warm, humid air across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

At the same time:

• Strong southerly winds will transport rich Gulf moisture into the region

• Winds just above the surface will increase to 50 to 75 mph

• The atmosphere will develop extreme wind shear, which can help storms rotate and produce tornadoes

These conditions are favorable for supercell thunderstorms ahead of the main line of storms, which can produce tornadoes and damaging winds.

Later in the day, storms are expected to organize into a fast-moving line capable of producing widespread damaging wind gusts and additional tornadoes.

Fast Storm Motion Adds Additional Concern

Storms on Monday are expected to move over 50 mph, meaning warnings may be issued with little lead time.

Fast-moving storms can also increase the risk of longer-track tornadoes and more widespread wind damage.

What Residents Should Do Now

With the potential for severe weather Monday, now is a good time to review your safety plans.

Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone

• Weather apps

• NOAA Weather Radio

• Local media and trusted weather sources

If a tornado warning is issued, move immediately to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.

Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes, so residents should identify a stronger shelter location ahead of time.

Colder Weather Follows the Storms

Once the cold front passes Monday evening, much colder air will move into the Carolinas.

Temperatures will drop sharply Monday night, with lows falling into the upper 20s across the region, and daytime highs Tuesday only reaching the mid-40s, well below normal for mid-March.

Rowan County Weather will continue to monitor the developing situation and provide updates as new forecast information becomes available.