Friday night is shaping up to be a wild one across the Southeast, as forecasters put three states on alert for potentially dangerous thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for portions of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, effective until 9 p.m. ET. The main threats include isolated hail, wind gusts up to 65 mph, and frequent lightning — enough to make anyone think twice about outdoor plans.
What's Behind the Threat?
According to the NWS, scattered thunderstorms are expected to ramp up during the afternoon and evening hours. The strongest cells could produce wet microbursts, which are sudden, powerful downdrafts that can cause significant damage. Wind gusts in the most intense storms may range from 55 to 70 mph, and there's also a marginal risk of severe hail.
The watch area stretches roughly 60 miles north and south of a line running from southeast of Evergreen, Alabama, to southwest of Natchez, Mississippi. That puts a wide swath of the Carolinas and Georgia squarely in the danger zone.
This is not the first time this week that severe weather has grabbed headlines. Earlier, a similar threat loomed over the Midwest, and forecasters have been tracking multiple rounds of storms across the country. The pattern shows no signs of letting up.
How to Stay Safe
The NWS is urging residents in the affected areas to stay weather-aware throughout the evening. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind:
- Keep a NOAA Weather Radio or local news app handy to monitor watches and warnings.
- If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your area, move to a sturdy building immediately. Sheds and storage units are not safe.
- Never take shelter under a tree — it could fall on you, and it increases your risk of being struck by lightning.
- If you're caught outside, get inside a vehicle if no building is nearby. It's safer than being exposed, but drive to a secure shelter if you have time.
Forecasters also remind everyone that lightning can strike even before rain arrives, so don't wait until the last minute to act.
While this particular watch is focused on the Southeast, it's part of a broader pattern of volatile weather. Other regions have faced giant hail and damaging winds in recent days, and the threat of severe storms is a recurring theme this season.
For those in the watch area, the next few hours could bring some intense conditions. Stay indoors, keep devices charged, and check on neighbors who might need assistance. The NWS will continue to update the situation, and we'll keep you posted if conditions escalate.
Stay safe out there, and remember: when thunder roars, go indoors!
