This week's unsettled weather across North Carolina will continue for one more day.

What You Need To Know

  • Severe weather on Wednesday brought damaging winds, large hail and two tornadoes to the state

  • Scattered strong storms are possible Friday afternoon and evening, mostly in eastern North Carolina

  • Calmer weather is forecast for the weekend

Nearly 100 separate reports of damaging winds and large hail have occurred across the state since Wednesday from the mountains to the coast. Some of the worst storms hit near Gastonia. The National Weather Service confirmed two EF-1 tornadoes in Cleveland and Gaston counties.

This week's stormy weather hasn't been an issue in just North Carolina. Since Monday morning, severe weather has produced well over 1,000 reports of damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes across the country.

Storms well south of North Carolina and early morning rain helped to keep things calmer on Thursday, but scattered storms are expected to linger this evening with the warmth of the afternoon from Friday.

A few of the storms may remain strong enough to produce damaging wind gusts and hail along with downpours and lightning through this evening. The threat for a tornado is not zero but does appear low at this time.

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for much of the area through 9 p.m. with storms tapering off in the Sandhills first and finally for the coastal plain after sunset.

It's still important to make sure you have a way to receive weather alerts through Friday evening and move to a safe location if a warning is issued for your area.

After tonight, we can then look forward to a storm-free weekend across the state.

Shower and storm chances will return around Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

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