An already unsettled weather pattern ramps up today as a strong cold front marches across North Carolina. Showers and storms are already building in to the western third of North Carolina this morning. Storm impacts will track west to east as the cold front makes its way across the state.

The front will bring the threat of heavy rain that may lead to urban flooding, strong to damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes. Snow will also be possible for parts of the mountains late today and into tonight.

Rain across the mountains and western Piedmont made a mess for the morning commute.

Winds will be gusting between 30 to 50 mph so be sure to secure any loose outdoor items around your home like holiday decorations. Due to the timing of the cold front, temperatures will fall through the day for the mountains and western Piedmont. Expect morning temperatures in the 60s and temperatures in the 40s by late afternoon.

These same impacts will grow in central North Carolina through the afternoon and into the evening. Scattered showers and storms will be possible during the lunch hour, allowing for some downpours. However, based off the timing of the front, the greatest impacts will be ending this afternoon for central North Carolina. Areas along and east of U.S. 1 will have a more favorable threat of an isolated severe storm that could produce damaging winds. Farther east along the I-95 corridor, the threat for severe storms is even higher and includes the possibility of an isolated tornado.

For eastern North Carolina, scattered showers and a few storms will be possible through early Wednesday evening. The main line of storms that presents the threat for severe weather will look to cross over I-95 and eventually move offshore by 6 p.m. This places the main line of storms over the coastal plain and Outer Banks during peak heating hours. The ingredients for embedded supercell storms will be present. This places eastern N.C. under the most favorable area for tornadoes and damaging wind gusts in the state Wednesday.

As stated before, this front will bring bitter cold air behind the showers and storms. Below-freezing temperatures are likely Wednesday night for the majority of the state. Cold air will limit high temperatures around 10 degrees below average Thursday and Friday afternoon. With a chilly end to the week on the way, make sure to heat your home safely. When using space heaters, be sure to provide the heater 3 feet of open space around it. Never leave space heaters on while you're away, and make sure your batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are good.

As always, your Weather On The Ones team will be with you before, during and after the storm. You can always stay connected on Spectrum News 1, the Spectrum News app and spectrumlocalnews.com.