Latest forecast: Tornado warnings for Raleigh area, central NC + power outage updates
The National Weather Service issued tornado watches for much of central and Eastern North Carolina through 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, ahead of a cold front that could bring strong storms and powerful winds through this evening.
Northeastern Wake County was under a tornado warning as the result of a severe thunderstorm that crossed over the area at midday. The warning was allowed to expire at 12:45 p.m.
Wind advisories also are in effect as forecasters say gusts of 40 mph to 50 mph are possible across much of the region.
Where and when are tornadoes most likely?
There is a Level 3 (out of 5) risk for severe storms that could bring damaging gusts, straight-line winds and hail across the region. Straight-line winds could be in excess of 75 mph, forecasters said. Locally heavy rain is expected.
The greatest risk of severe weather is along and east of U.S. 1.
The timing of the greatest risk is expected to be until 3 p.m., the Weather Service said, but the watches are in place until 8 p.m..
Power outages could be widespread
By 3 p.m., Duke Energy’s outage map showed more than 12,000 customers across the state without power as a result of the weather, including about 1,000 in the Charlotte area and about 3,000 in and around Rocky Mount.
Some flash flooding reported
Heavy downpours resulted in some flooding. In Fayetteville, Ramsey Street was closed Wednesday afternoon because a section of the road was under water. Some roads in Rocky Mount were reported flooded as well.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 8:51 AM with the headline "Latest forecast: Tornado warnings for Raleigh area, central NC + power outage updates."
