As a band of strong storms sweeps across the eastern U.S. on Monday, the Research Triangle and the rest of the Piedmont are bracing for high winds and the chance of tornadoes.
The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for all of central North Carolina Monday morning to last through 2 p.m., saying it is “likely” that several tornadoes appear as the storm passes through and widespread gusts of wind up to 85 miles per hour are expected.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of North Carolina and Virginia until 2 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/MeLzfYZw89
— NWS Raleigh (@NWSRaleigh) March 16, 2026
“Today will be a stormy day for sure, with multiple rounds and waves of thunderstorms sweeping across the area,” said Jonathan Blaes with the National Weather Service in Raleigh. “The greatest threat for damaging winds, which is really what our biggest worry is today, is likely to range from mid-day into mid-afternoon — so, like, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.”
Blaes said the presence of storms overnight and in the early morning reflects how “charged” the atmosphere is and complicates the forecast, since severe conditions could develop faster from the existing storm cells. He added that while the high winds will be far more widespread than the chance of tornadoes, people should be prepared for them and aware if they are planning on being outside for extended periods of time.
Based on the storm’s movement, central North Carolina falls in a Level 4 Risk, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center. The second-highest rating on the scale means there is “high confidence” that severe weather will impact the region and residents should expect severe winds and tornadoes.
?Widespread severe weather expected today!
What to Expect:? Wind: 60 mph wind gusts likely, localized +75 mph?️ Tornadoes: Brief tornadoes possible (up to EF-2)⏰ Timing: Late this morning into this evening?Know your safe space. Have multiple ways to get warnings! #NCwx pic.twitter.com/moUSGTm9d2
— NWS Raleigh (@NWSRaleigh) March 16, 2026
If a tornado develops near you, expert recommendations are to go to a safe location you have previously identified — typically one that is away from windows and closer to the ground. Protect yourself by having an emergency supplies kit, covering your head and neck with your arms, or putting materials like furniture and blankets around you. If you are in a vehicle when you see a tornado and you cannot escape its path, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on and duck your body as low as possible into the seat. Avoid seeking shelter or driving under bridges.
Orange County recommends Orange County residents sign up for OC Alerts to receive updates on tornado watches and warnings, as well as other emergency alerts throughout the year. More local emergency preparedness tips can be found on the county government’s Ready Orange website. Additionally, the national Emergency Alert System and NOAA Weather Radio provide alerts related to severe weather.
Featured photo via Tanya Gorelova.
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