Storms move out; gorgeous weekend on way

A line of showers and storms prompted a tornado warning Thursday afternoon for Columbus County just before 4:30 p.m. Cumberland and Sampson counties were under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m.

Posted 9:47 a.m. May 21, 2015 — Updated 8:42 p.m. May 21, 2015

RALEIGH, N.C. — A cold front crossed North Carolina Thursday, holding temperatures in check and popping up short-lived thunderstorms. By 4 p.m., the threat of storms was past for the central part of the state.

"We're in for a gorgeous weekend," said WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel.

"It will be cool and pleasant Friday and warmer and sunny Saturday and Sunday."

Highs Friday will be in the 70s again under sunny skies, and temperatures will climb slowly over the long weekend. Saturday, Sunday and Monday will include plenty of sunshine and highs in the 80s.

"The timing of this clearing couldn't be more perfect for the holiday weekend and the WRAL Freedom Balloon Fest," WRAL meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner said. "We're going to have ideal conditions for any outdoor plans once we get past Thursday."

A line of showers and storms prompted a short-lived tornado warning Thursday afternoon for Columbus County just before 4:30 p.m. The back end of the front kept the southeastern quadrant of the state under the threat of severe weather through sundown.

Those same storms passed through the Triangle during the lunch hour, providing a quick soaking but doing no serious damage.

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