Severe weather threat diminishes for Triangle

An approaching cold front stirred up winds and prompted some watches and warnings in the area on Monday.

However, the severe weather threat for the Triangle was diminishing quickly, WRAL chief meteorologist Greg Fishel said.

The threat remains north and east of the Triangle, where thunderstorms rumbled in the afternoon. The storms brought significant hail to some areas including Johnston and Vance counties.

A tornado watch remains in effect for some counties, including Wake, Durham and Orange until 10 p.m.

Cumberland, Johnston, Sampson, Wayne and Wilson counties remain under severe thunderstorm watches until 10 p.m.

The Storm Prediction Center says the eastern half or so of the state is under a slight risk for severe storms into the evening. The threat is expected to wane as the evening progresses.

"The biggest threat Monday will be damaging winds," WRAL meteorologist Kim Deaner said. "There is the possibility of hail, lightning and isolated tornadoes."

Southwesterly winds could gust up to 25 or 30 mph.

The clouds will stick around as temperatures dip into the 60s on Tuesday and Wednesday, with lows in the 40s.