Weather

Wake County storms result in power outages

With temperatures topping 80 degrees by noon, conditions were ripe for thunderstorms, with warnings and watches issued throughout the region.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Severe thunderstorm warnings expired for the Triangle Monday evening, but heavy rain is expected to continue through the overnight hours.

A severe thunderstorm warning for Wake County expired at 5:30 p.m. and the system brought heavy rain and large hail. WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel noted that even though many severe thunderstorm warnings expired by Monday evening, areas could still see cloud to ground lightning, 40 mph winds, and pea-sized hail.

Significant amounts of hail fell in Cary and Apex during the late afternoon hours, but the storm cell that brought the hail moved east by about 5:30 p.m.

Biggest I've seen here in 25 years
Been having hail about ten minutes, some golf ball size.

Nearly 2,000 power outages were reported to Duke Energy by 5 p.m. as a result of the storm but only 378 were without power Monday night.

WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said more storms to the west of Raleigh will make their way into the Triangle during the evening and the weather will remain active overnight, although the risk for severe storms will lesson as the temperatures drop.

"It's going to be an active evening, perhaps even into the wee hours of the morning," Fishel said.

Storms caused a tree to fall near Trinity Road and Red Grape Drive Monday afternoon

Tuesday will feature much of the same – humid conditions, highs in the 70s and a 50-50 chance for storms.

The greatest risk for storms Tuesday is for the Triangle and those to the east and rain will be most likely during the first half of the day. Fishel said rain could make for wet roads during the morning commute.

"Take that into account when planning your trek to work or school Tuesday morning," Fishel said.

Rain chances will go down slightly on Wednesday, with the arrival of a cold front that will push daytime highs only into the 60s on Thursday and Friday.

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