Severe weather could impact North Carolina on Sunday and Monday, with forecasters warning that damaging storms and possible tornadoes may develop across the region.
The National Weather Service says a strong cold front moving toward the state will create the right conditions for dangerous storms. Warm temperatures, high moisture levels, and atmospheric instability will help storms intensify ahead of the front.
The main line of storms is expected to arrive Sunday afternoon. Forecasters say the primary threat will be damaging wind gusts that could reach 45 mph.
However, isolated tornadoes are also possible if storms strengthen quickly.
Severe weather could begin forming as early as late Sunday morning before expanding through the afternoon hours.
Researchers have also noted that hailstones across the United States appear to be growing larger in recent years, increasing the potential for storm damage during severe weather events.
March is typically the start of a more active stretch for severe storms across the country. During the first ten days of March 2026 alone, at least 35 tornadoes were reported nationwide, with 10 associated fatalities, according to preliminary weather service data and local officials.
For comparison, the 30-year average number of tornado-related deaths during the first three months of the year is about 19 to 20.
After the storms pass, a sharp temperature drop is expected Sunday night. Overnight lows could fall into the 30s.
That colder air will carry into the start of the week. Forecasters say Tuesday’s St. Patrick’s Day could be the coldest the region has seen since 2014.
