![\"North-Carolina-1307\"](\"http:\/\/us.weatheramerica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/North-Carolina-1307.jpg\")
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A severe thunderstorm alert<\/strong> has been issued for Western North Carolina<\/strong> this Saturday afternoon<\/strong>, as the National Weather Service<\/strong> warns of fast-moving storms bringing strong winds<\/strong> and hail<\/strong> to the region.<\/p>\n The NWS office in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina<\/strong>, released a weather alert at 1:26 p.m.<\/strong>, warning that storms capable of producing wind gusts up to 50 mph and hail up to 0.5 inches in diameter<\/strong> are expected to impact Burke Mountains<\/strong>, Greater Burke<\/strong>, and the McDowell Mountains<\/strong> until at least 2:00 p.m.<\/strong>.<\/p>\n According to the agency, Doppler radar<\/strong> tracked a strong thunderstorm<\/strong> around 1:25 p.m.<\/strong>, located about 11 miles east of Spruce Pine<\/strong> or roughly 4 miles west of Table Rock<\/strong>, moving southeast at around 10 mph<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Forecasters say the storm is capable of producing gusty winds<\/strong> that could snap tree limbs<\/strong> and blow around unsecured objects<\/strong>. Minor hail damage<\/strong> to outdoor items is also a possibility.<\/p>\n Communities expected to feel the impact include Table Rock<\/strong>, Lake James<\/strong>, Lake James State Park<\/strong>, and Ashford<\/strong>. The NWS advises anyone outdoors<\/strong> to seek shelter in a sturdy building until the storm has passed.<\/p>\n The alert remains in effect<\/strong> until 2:00 p.m.<\/strong>, though changing weather conditions may extend the threat.<\/p>\n Lightning remains one of the most underestimated hazards<\/strong> during the summer months. According to the National Weather Service<\/strong>, lightning strikes the United States<\/strong> roughly 25 million times each year<\/strong>, causing about 20 deaths annually<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The risk of being struck increases significantly as a storm draws closer, peaking when it\u2019s directly overhead. That risk only begins to drop once the system has moved a safe distance away.<\/p>\n The NWS recommends<\/strong> having a plan to reach shelter before heading outdoors when storms are in the forecast. If you hear thunder or see the sky growing dark, move indoors immediately<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Once inside, avoid using corded phones<\/strong>, plumbing<\/strong>, or any electrical devices<\/strong>, and stay away from windows and doors<\/strong>. After the last rumble of thunder, wait 30 minutes<\/strong> before going back outside.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re caught outside with no shelter nearby, stay away from open fields<\/strong>, hilltops<\/strong>, and isolated tall trees<\/strong>. In wooded areas, seek lower ground among shorter trees<\/strong>. If you\u2019re in a group, spread out<\/strong> to reduce the risk of multiple injuries in case of a lightning strike.<\/p>\n Camping? Set up in valleys or ravines<\/strong>, never on high or exposed terrain\u2014and remember, tents offer no protection<\/strong> from lightning.<\/p>\n Thunderstorms often bring heavy rainfall, making roads hazardous. Drivers should turn on headlights<\/strong>, reduce speed, and stick to elevated lanes<\/strong>, as water tends to pool near road edges<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Avoid puddles, which can cause vehicles to hydroplane<\/strong> or skid out of control. Keep a safe distance from large trucks or buses<\/strong>, which can spray water and reduce visibility. Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway<\/strong>\u2014the water may be deeper than it looks, and swift currents can be deadly.<\/p>\n Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle\u2019s tires lose contact with the road<\/strong> due to a thin layer of water. It\u2019s most likely at high speeds<\/strong>, on worn tires<\/strong>, or in deep water<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If your car begins to hydroplane, ease off the accelerator<\/strong>, steer in the direction of the skid<\/strong>, and avoid slamming the brakes<\/strong>. Wait until your tires reconnect with the pavement, then gradually regain control.<\/p>\n The NWS continues to monitor conditions<\/strong> across Western North Carolina<\/strong> and may issue additional advisories<\/strong> if storms strengthen or new cells develop.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A severe thunderstorm alert has been issued for Western North Carolina this Saturday afternoon, as the National Weather Service warns of fast-moving storms bringing strong winds and hail to the region. Strong thunderstorms expected across Burke and McDowell counties The NWS office in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, released a weather alert at 1:26 p.m., warning that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":5950,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5949","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/h3>\n
Strong thunderstorms expected across Burke and McDowell counties<\/h3>\n
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Areas in the path of the storm<\/h3>\n
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What to know about lightning danger during summer storms<\/h3>\n
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What to do during a thunderstorm<\/h3>\n
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Driving dangers: staying safe in heavy rain<\/h3>\n
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Understanding hydroplaning<\/h3>\n