9:29 AM Update: two heavier showers or possibly thunderstorms have developed over Rutherford County that are likely to move across eastern McDowell, Burke and Caldwell counties within the hour. The heaviest shower is about 10 mile south of Forest City just north of the SC state line and could cross South Mountain and move into eastern Burke and southeastern Caldwell affecting communities from South Mountain, Morganton, Chesterfield eastward to Hickory, North Hickory and Bethlehem. Cloud to ground lightning and heavy rain appear to be the biggest threats from these storms. Right now these showers/storms continue to strengthen. Be on alert for possible lightning anywhere from Marion to Table Rock to NW Caldwell eastward to Maiden, Conover and St. Stephens. A couple other items of interest: the Storm Prediction Center seems to indicate the greatest threat today of damaging winds, hail and tornados appears to be over central and eastern NC, provided that the wedge breaks. Right now I see signs that is is breaking as the winds have shifted at Chester SC from northeast to south-southeast. With the continuing rain, our three counties will probably be the last place to see that shallow layer of damp cool air mix out so the greater threat to our east seems well-placed. Another factor to consider is that deep moisture from last evenings storm system is moving into the Florida Panhandle and the Gulf of Mexico. Deep Gulf moisture has a tendency to reduce the moisture feed northward into our area. Right now that doesnt appear to be happening but well have to watch, it may actually reduce our heavy rain and severe storm chances for today. Finally, the threat for severe storms Wednesday ahead of the actual front seems to be going up. A surge of stronger southwest winds aloft may enhance the thunderstorm threat for the entire state, with Raleigh issuing a Special Weather Statement for their counties indicating a tornado, hail and damaging wind threat. It is conceivable that the highest threat tomorrow will be for the central and eastern NC counties but well have to be on alert, too, for a double-barreled threat of severe storms and flooding, including landslides.--Steve.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:46:11 +0000
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