The Triangle is bracing for a round of severe weather and possible tornadoes Sunday as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias move through the region.
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The National Weather Service in Raleigh has placed the Triangle and much of central North Carolina under a Level 2 “slight risk” for severe storms. The primary window for the weather will run from late morning through the early evening.
A tornado watch was also issued for North and South Carolina including Raleigh, Smithfield, Greenville and Burlington through 5 p.m. Sunday, according to the Weather Service. Damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail stones up to half an inch are possible.
In addition to the severe weather threats, the remnants of Isaias are expected to bring about 1 to 2 inches of rain across central NC, mainly in the areas east of U.S. 1, including Wadesboro and Lilesville.
Gov. Josh Stein, in a prepared statement, warned residents to stay off the roads when possible Sunday and to “keep cell phones, mobile devices, and spare batteries charged.”
“North Carolinians, please pay attention to your local news for the latest updates and follow instructions from your local emergency management and public safety officials,” he wrote. “Make sure your notifications are turned on for emergency alerts, and keep your emergency kit handy in case you lose power. If you live in potentially impacted areas, follow the instructions of local officials to protect you and your family.”
Isaias (pronounced ees-ah-EE-ahs) is the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season. The storm made landfall in the northern Gulf Coast near Destin, Florida, on Friday night as a Category 2 storm. Within hours, it had weakened to a post-tropical cyclone.
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At least four people have died due to the storm, two in Alabama and two in Florida, according to CBS News.
Thousands of people were without power Saturday, concentrated in the mountains and at the coast, The Charlotte Observer reported. Mudslides remained a threat.
The severe weather threat won’t last into the week, according to the Weather Service.
Dry conditions are expected Monday through Saturday, alongside a warm stretch that could see temperatures climb back into the upper 80s and near 90 degrees by the middle of the week.
Wednesday in Raleigh could see a high of 89 degrees and sunny.
The coolest days this week are Friday, with a high of 80 and a low of 58, and Saturday, with a high of 69 degrees.
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