Severe Storms Fire Up Across Southeast and Southwest

Strong to severe thunderstorms will develop across South Carolina, southern parts of North Carolina, far eastern Georgia and in portions of southern Arizona this afternoon and evening. 

A slow-moving disturbance will cause areas of strong to severe thunderstorms to form in parts of the Southeast this afternoon and evening. The primary risks with these thunderstorms will be heavy downpours, damaging wind gusts and even hail. The area of greatest concern will be across much of South Carolina, far eastern Georgia and southern parts of North Carolina. 

The government's Storm Prediction Center has issued a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) for South Carolina, far eastern Georgia and south parts of North Carolina. Cities under this risk include Columbia, S.C., Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C. and Augusta, Ga. 

Monsoonal moisture will surge across southern Arizona this afternoon and evening causing potentially heavy and strong to severe thunderstorms. Primary risks with these storms will be torrential downpours, damaging wind gusts and even hail. 

There is a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) in effect for parts of southern Arizona including Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz. 

A disturbance will continue to move slowly from Kentucky and Tennessee to far southern Ohio, parts of West Virginia and southwestern Virginia causing heavy showers and thunderstorms This could lead to more flooding concerns in these areas and due to this there are Flood Watches in effect. Additional rain amounts of 1 to 3 inches are likely.  

Make sure to know the difference between a watch and a warning should they be issued. A "watch" means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur, and to be on alert for any rapidly changing conditions. A "warning" means that severe weather is imminent, and you should act fast to remain safe.

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"