Front To Bring Storms, Cooler Weather

Severe weather watches have been issued for most of central and western North Carolina.

The watches were issued shortly before 5 p.m. and will remain in effect until midnight.

Forecasts call for a cold front to move across the state Thursday night, bringing the threat of thunderstorms.

"We could be looking at a widespread severe weather outbreak," WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said. "As it stands, it's probably going to be a scattered one, but that's not to minimize the threat."

The front also will usher in cooler temperatures. Highs Friday will be around 70 degrees, compared with Thursday's high of 83.