Raleigh, N.C. — The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 7 a.m. for most of central North Carolina.
The main brunt of showers and storms were expected overnight as a front crosses the region. There is the potential for some storms to become severe with damaging winds up to 60 mph and isolated tornadoes.
"We’ve gotten a few reports of trees down due to strong winds, both within some of the stronger storms, as well as ahead of the entire line," WRAL meteorologist Nate Johnson said.
A tornado watch is issued when conditions across a broad region are favorable for tornado formation.
"The bigger threat with these storms may be flooding. Some of these storms have been putting down rain at a rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour," Johnson said.
Dozens of counties are under a flash flood watch or warning.
Flooding could occur along creeks that rise rapidly, including Crabtree Creek in Raleigh and Cross Creek in Fayetteville. High water is also possible in urban areas and places with poor drainage. The Neuse, Rocky, Tar and Haw rivers could also rise over the next few days.
One to 2 inches of rain will fall across the region overnight, with some spots getting up to 3 inches.
A few showers could linger in the Triangle Monday morning, but they will quickly move east, WRAL meteorologist Mike Moss said. Cloudy skies will gradually clear through the day, and temperatures will rise to the mid 60s again.
A new front will move in later in the day, and Tuesday will dawn clearer and colder. The high Tuesday will be back down around 50 degrees.
What to do if you spot a funnel cloud
Mobile home residents are especially vulnerable to tornadoes. If a tornado warning has been issued, mobile home residents should get to a pre-arranged shelter immediately.
At schools, the safest part of the building is in the hallway with no windows. Office workers are urged to get under something sturdy, like a desk or table.
Drivers who see a tornado forming or approaching should leave the car and take shelter in a ditch or some other low-lying area.
For those at home, the safest place is in a basement. If there is not one available, they should go into a hallway or closet.
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