Special Weather Statement, NWS Raleigh, NC

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
955 AM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

.SYNOPSIS...
A strong cold front will approach the region this morning and move
across the area tonight. Cool high pressure will build into the area
on Friday and linger into the weekend.

&&

.NEAR TERM /TODAY THROUGH TONIGHT/...
As of 955 AM Thursday...

...Strong to severe storms possible this afternoon and evening;
windy today with gusts of 30 to 40 mph...

Forecast is on track, including the severe weather threat. Primary
change this morning was to nudge winds and gusts up a notch through
this afternoon/evening, based on area UA data and radar VWP winds,
both observing 40-50 kt at 1500-2500 ft AGL, and latest hi-res
guidance. Surface gusts could reach 30-45 mph most places, which
agrees well with recent GSO obs gusts to around 40 mph. Even outside
of particularly vigorous convection, it won't take much to mix these
winds groundward. MLCAPE remains small according to SPC mesoanalyses
but values are increasing out ahead of the primary line of
convection that is now moving into the western forecast area, and
this trend should persist with strong near-surface WAA boosting both
temps and dewpoints despite abundant cloud cover, making MLCAPE of
several thousand J/kg quite attainable. This, along with increasing
deep layer bulk shear to 60-75 kts, should allow the existing
convection to grow upscale, with bowing segments and embedded
supercells possible as this activity translates E through central NC
through the afternoon and early evening. No change to primary
hazards, with straight line winds and a tornado or two possible.
Highs in the 70s. -GIH

Earlier discussion from 300 AM: Water vapor satellite showed an
upper-level low across the Midwest, and another upper-level low
across the Central Plains. Surface observations displayed a warm
front across central VA, and a cold front across the TN Valley.
Current conditions across central NC early this morning were cloudy,
with southerly wind gusts of 20-30 mph. Warm air advection behind
the warm front and cloud cover has kept temps up this morning, with
most areas in the 60s. Moisture continues to filter into the region,
with dewpoints now in the low 60s across many areas. Radar displayed
a large band of showers moving east across the Appalachians, with
some showers developing ahead of the line across the foothills.

The main band of showers will first develop across the Triad early
this morning, then across the Triangle just after noon, and then
across the Coastal Plain by mid-afternoon. Showers will continue to
develop ahead of the band, but remain more scattered in coverage. A
trough, associated with the Midwest upper low, will move across the
region today, generating the greatest forcing for ascent.
Precipitable water values will surge to near 1.75" this afternoon,
and combined with a lower-level jet and weak to modest CAPE, strong
storms are possible with locally heavy rain. SPC has expanded the
slight risk (level 2/5) for severe storms across all of central NC.
Cloud cover this morning will limit instability, but weak heating
this afternoon combined with high shear, could be enough to generate
some severe storms, with damaging wind gusts as the main threat.
Additionally, high values of updraft helicity in recent HREF
solutions suggest storms could be organized enough to produce an
isolated tornado. Areas across, south and east of the Triangle may
have the best chance for severe weather this afternoon and evening.
Around 0.50-0.75" of rain is expected across most of the region,
with locally higher amounts expected in stronger storms and training
storms. Widespread gusts of 30-40 mph are expected as the lower jet
strengthens and winds mix to the surface. Conditions as of now
remain just below wind advisory criteria, but may need to be
reevaluated later this morning if trends increase winds any more.
Highs will be in the low to upper 70s.

The actual cold front will push across the area late tonight after
getting hung up along the Appalachians. Additionally, a weak
shortwave associated with the upper-low across the Central Plains,
will also quickly push across central NC tonight. Most showers will
have pushed east by early tonight, although a few may develop across
the Triad through the period. Winds will remain breezy tonight as
the two systems push east. Lows will range from the upper 40s to
upper 50s.

&&

.SHORT TERM /FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT/...
As of 300 AM Thursday...

Zonal flow develops aloft on Friday, with surface high pressure
building east from the MS Valley into the TN Valley. A tight
pressure gradient between the building high and departing cold front
will generate westerly wind gusts of 20-30 mph throughout the day.
Dewpoints will crash into the 20s and 30s by the afternoon, and
combined with the gusty winds, may create increased fire danger.
This will likely depend on the amount of precipitation our area
receives today. Highs will range from the low 60s to low 70s. Cold
air advection will continue Friday night, and with excellent
radiational cooling from clear skies and diminishing winds, lows
Friday night will dip into the mid to upper 30s, with some areas
near the SC flirting with 40.

&&

.LONG TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
As of 400 AM Thursday...

A mid/upper shortwave trough will move east from the MS Valley on
Saturday morning, with the southern fringe reaching central NC on
Saturday night. An associated surface low will move into the OH
Valley and northern Mid-Atlantic as the surface high moves east and
offshore. After a cold start on Saturday morning, southerly return
flow will help warm temperatures into the 60s by the afternoon. Mid
and high level clouds will be on the increase in the afternoon and
evening in advance of the shortwave, but with relatively dry air in
the low levels, and the best height falls well to the north of the
region over the Great Lakes, any rain that falls with the shortwave
across central NC will be light. That being said, both the GFS and
ECMWF and their ensembles at least show potential for some light
rain/sprinkles on Saturday evening/night, particularly in the south
and east (where POPs are slight) as a coastal low will try to
develop. Lows will generally be in the 40s.

Another surface high pressure system over the TN Valley on Sunday
will move east and become centered over the southern Mid-Atlantic by
Monday morning, then offshore later in the day. This along with WNW
flow aloft will result in mostly clear skies and dry weather on
Sunday and Monday, with near to slightly-above-normal high
temperatures in the upper-60s to mid-70s. Good radiational cooling
from the center of the high will drop low temperatures Monday
morning into the mid-30s to lower-40s, so frost could again be a
concern in some areas.

Clouds and moisture will be on the increase Monday night into
Tuesday as the flow aloft turns southwesterly in advance of the next
southern-stream shortwave moving into the Southern Plains and Deep
South. As this shortwave interacts with deep Gulf moisture getting
drawn north, precipitation chances will also be on the increase
Tuesday and especially Tuesday night. The GFS and ECMWF are in
pretty good agreement on timing considering this is Day 6, and thus
have likely POPs across the region Tuesday night. Instability could
be sufficient for a few storms, and the shear certainly looks to be
there, so added a slight chance of thunder to the wx grids. Some
precipitation may linger into Wednesday, but with the upper forcing
gone by then, only have chance POPs across the area. Highs on
Tuesday and Wednesday will be above normal with strong
south/southwesterly surface flow, generally 70s to lower-80s.

&&

.AVIATION /11Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
As of 630 AM Thursday...

Strong southerly wind gusts of 20-30 kt will continue across most
areas, along with MVFR ceilings. Isolated locations with weaker
winds will likely have LLWS with stronger winds not far from the
surface. Widespread SHRA will develop from west to east, arriving
near KINT around 12Z, then KRDU around 15Z, and KRWI around 18Z.
Strong winds aloft will likely surface as the heavy showers move
across areas. Isolated gusts of 40-50 kt are possible where strong
SHRA/TSRA develop this afternoon. An isolated tornado is also
possible, mainly this afternoon. Conditions will improve from west
to east late afternoon into the evening, with VFR conditions
expected at all locations by the end of the TAF period.

Outlook beyond 12Z Friday: A few SHRA Sat night could create sub VFR
conditions. Otherwise, breezy west to northwest winds are possible
Friday and VFR conditions expected for the remainder of the period.

&&

.EQUIPMENT...
KGSO RAOBs are temporarily scheduled for 12Z releases only due to
helium supply issues.

&&

.RAH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.

&&

SYNOPSIS...Blaes/JJT
NEAR TERM...Hartfield/JJT
SHORT TERM...JJT
LONG TERM...Danco
AVIATION...JJT
EQUIPMENT...RAH/WSH

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
412 AM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

NCZ007>011-021>028-038>043-073>078-083>086-088-089-010815-
Person-Granville-Vance-Warren-Halifax-Forsyth-Guilford-Alamance-
Orange-Durham-Franklin-Nash-Edgecombe-Davidson-Randolph-Chatham-Wake-
Johnston-Wilson-Stanly-Montgomery-Moore-Lee-Harnett-Wayne-Anson-
Richmond-Scotland-Hoke-Cumberland-Sampson-
412 AM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Scattered strong to severe storms are possible this afternoon into
the evening. The primary severe weather threat will be damaging
winds, although a brief or isolated tornado is possible. In addition
to the severe threat, windy conditions with gusts between 30 to 40
mph are expected throughout the day.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed.

JJT

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
851 AM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

NCZ021>023-038-311345-
Guilford NC-Alamance NC-Forsyth NC-Davidson NC-
851 AM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

Showers with gusty winds will impact portions of Alamance, Forsyth,
northeastern Davidson and Guilford Counties through 945 AM EDT...

At 849 AM EDT, a band of showers near near Winston-Salem, moving
east nrotheast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Burlington, Graham,
Thomasville, Kernersville, Clemmons, Mebane and Bermuda Run.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Strong winds may occur well ahead of any rain or lightning. Do not
wait for the sound of thunder before taking cover. SEEK SHELTER
IMMEDIATELY inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows.

&&

LAT...LON 3614 8044 3622 8043 3626 8045 3624 7926
      3591 7926 3585 7924 3584 7954 3590 7955
      3592 8001 3592 8005 3589 8005 3590 8037
      3596 8038 3599 8042 3601 8042 3606 8046
      3604 8049 3608 8052 3609 8052
TIME...MOT...LOC 1249Z 252DEG 25KT 3607 8022

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

CA

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
1015 AM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

NCZ021>023-038>040-073>075-083>085-311500-
Guilford NC-Scotland NC-Stanly NC-Anson NC-Richmond NC-Chatham NC-
Alamance NC-Forsyth NC-Randolph NC-Davidson NC-Montgomery NC-
Moore NC-
1015 AM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

...Gusty winds and light to moderate showers will impact portions of
Alamance, Forsyth, Moore, Scotland, Davidson, Anson, Montgomery,
Richmond, Randolph, Stanly, Guilford and western Chatham Counties
through 1100 AM EDT...

At 1012 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking gusty winds and showers
along a line extending from near Greensboro to near Wadesboro.
Movement was northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Burlington, Asheboro,
Lexington, Laurinburg, Albemarle, Graham and Southern Pines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Strong winds may occur well ahead of any rain or lightning. Do not
wait for the sound of thunder before taking cover. SEEK SHELTER
IMMEDIATELY inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows.

&&

LAT...LON 3550 8030 3552 8018 3572 8033 3574 8046
      3583 8049 3589 8037 3605 8050 3626 8045
      3624 7926 3567 7922 3548 7936 3523 7929
      3504 7946 3494 7935 3477 7933 3463 7946
      3480 7968 3482 8032 3519 8028 3519 8051
TIME...MOT...LOC 1412Z 214DEG 40KT 3644 7950 3536 7973

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CA

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
1129 AM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

NCZ038>040-073>075-083-084-311630-
Stanly NC-Anson NC-Richmond NC-Chatham NC-Randolph NC-Davidson NC-
Montgomery NC-Moore NC-
1129 AM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

...A strong thunderstorm with heavy rain and gusty winds will impact
portions of western Moore, Davidson, Anson, Montgomery, Richmond,
Randolph, Stanly and western Chatham Counties through 1230 PM EDT...

At 1127 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles southwest of Troy, moving northeast at 55 mph.

HAZARD...Winds up to and in excess of 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
High Point, Asheboro, Lexington, Albemarle, Rockingham, Wadesboro,
Randleman, Troy, Siler City and Badin Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 3550 8030 3551 8018 3572 8033 3574 8046
      3584 8048 3583 8046 3585 8039 3598 8039
      3603 8014 3601 8004 3592 8004 3590 7955
      3584 7954 3584 7926 3587 7924 3481 7967
      3481 8032 3519 8028 3519 8051 3520 8051
TIME...MOT...LOC 1527Z 214DEG 47KT 3527 8004

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CA

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
1130 AM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

NCZ075-077-085-086-311600-
Scotland NC-Hoke NC-Harnett NC-Moore NC-
1130 AM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

...A strong shower will impact portions of southeastern Moore,
northeastern Scotland, southwestern Harnett and Hoke Counties
through NOON EDT...

At 1129 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong shower 7 miles
west of Raeford, moving northeast at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Raeford, Wagram, Vass, Cameron, Silver City, Pineview, Bowmore and
Ashley Heights.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3491 7948 3537 7928 3534 7926 3531 7918
      3537 7912 3531 7896 3521 7903 3519 7910
      3513 7911 3511 7910 3484 7928 3484 7930
TIME...MOT...LOC 1529Z 204DEG 45KT 3494 7935

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Green

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Raleigh NC
1207 PM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

NCZ040>042-075>077-084>086-088-089-311645-
Scotland NC-Richmond NC-Lee NC-Johnston NC-Chatham NC-Hoke NC-
Sampson NC-Harnett NC-Wake NC-Moore NC-Cumberland NC-
1207 PM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

...An area of heavy showers and storms with gusty winds will impact
portions of central Moore, Scotland, northwestern Sampson, Harnett,
southeastern Richmond, Cumberland, Lee, southern Wake, Johnston,
Hoke and eastern Chatham Counties through 1245 PM EDT...

At 1203 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a heavy shower 10 miles
northwest of Pope AFB, or 12 miles southeast of Sanford, moving
northeast at 60 mph. A few more isolated heavy showers are also
developing south of Cumberland County.

HAZARD...Winds up to and in excess of 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Raleigh, Fayetteville, Cary, Sanford, Laurinburg, Southern Pines,
Smithfield, Raeford, Pittsboro and Lillington.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

heavy rainfall can cause localized flooding. Do not drive your
vehicle through flooded roadways.

Strong winds may occur well ahead of any rain or lightning. Do not
wait for the sound of thunder before taking cover. SEEK SHELTER
IMMEDIATELY inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows.

&&

LAT...LON 3481 7968 3584 7925 3585 7924 3588 7924
      3585 7869 3575 7842 3553 7810 3533 7822
      3532 7829 3529 7830 3525 7827 3485 7852
      3485 7883 3483 7890 3490 7894 3495 7904
      3483 7919 3484 7935 3477 7933 3463 7946
TIME...MOT...LOC 1603Z 207DEG 51KT 3532 7909

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

CA