ROCKINGHAM — Monday’s clear, sunny skies are about to give way to clouds as strong thunderstorms are expected to sweep through central North Carolina later today, prompting officials to issue an alert.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Richmond and 37 other counties. The watch was issued at 2:30 p.m. and will be in effect until 10.
Forecasters say the storms could produce damaging wind gusts and quarter- and ping-pong-ball-sized hail. Ponding on the roads from heavy downpours is also a potential hazard.
The other counties included in the watch are: Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Granville, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Iredell, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Scotland, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Warren and Yadkin.
Much of central and western South Carolina, including Chesterfield and Marlboro counties are also under a thunderstorm watch.
Another round of storms with similar effects is expected on Tuesday. Wednesday’s weather is forecast to be sunny and clear, with clouds moving in on Thursday and more rain on Friday, clearing out for a warm weekend.