Line of Severe Thunderstorms Strikes Triangle
Much of central North Carolina was hit by a line of fast-moving, severe thunderstorms Monday afternoon, while some areas saw no sign of bad weather. In the Triangle and elsewhere, lightning, high winds and hail caused some property damage and power outages.
In Cary, hail one inch in diameter was reported at McGregor Downs about 4 p.m. Just before 5 p.m., a Skywarn spotter in North Raleigh reported one-inch-diameter hail at Six Forks and Norwood. Hail also was reported in Zebulon and New Hill in Wake County and Oxford in Granville County.
Limited visibility caused by the heavy rains created some problems on roadways. Many drivers waited out downpours on the shoulders during afternoon rush hour.
Traffic officers tried to maintain order by redirecting some drivers around flooded areas. However, for some motorists, it was too late. Many found themselves trapped in rushing, knee-deep water, their cars floating in the street.
There were reports of trees down in Cary and power outages in many parts of the Triangle, but power crews worked hard to get most customers back online before nightfall.
Most of the severe activity was over by early evening, but a few slow-moving cells were not as quick to dissipate. Granville and Moore Counties were drenched with heavy rain through much of Monday night.
WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel predicts a rainy, cool week. However, he doubts that the activity later in the week will become as strong as Monday's storms.
