Severe Storms & Heavy Rain in the Southeast

news image
Special Stories
16 Dec 2020 5:00 AM
After an early week coastal storm exits the Mid-Atlantic, our next big storm is moving toward the East Coast mid-week. This system will not only bring the potential for heavy snow up north, heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are possible across portions of the Southeast. The chance for strong thunderstorms will be focused around Florida's Big Bend and also through Eastern North Carolina, including the Outer Banks.

Forecast

A low pressure system that moved over the Southern Rockies earlier in the week is expected to move across the Southeast Wednesday. Alongside this low pressure system, another low will develop in the Southeast along the Atlantic coast and move northward into the Mid-Atlantic on Wednesday. With two low pressure systems, there will be two areas that have a risk for severe storms. For more on the severe weather outlook, scroll down. Forecast snapshots of the Florida region are posted first, followed by several across Eastern North Carolina. The 'northern' low in the Mid-Atlantic will bring snow to the north and rain to the south. Similar to the set-up we saw with Monday's coastal storm, the south side will see a severe storm threat and the north-side seeing snow.

Severe Outlook

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a slight risk for severe storms (level 2 on a scale 1 to 5) for Eastern North Carolina, with a marginal risk (1 out of 5) for Florida. The main concern with both risk areas will be for damaging straight-line winds, with gusts over 58 mph. Gusts this strong can down big branches or entire trees. Downed power lines are also a concern. If enough destabilization occurs in either region, there will be enough shear in the atmosphere for supercells. This means a few isolated tornadoes are possible. Tornadoes are slightly more likely in the Outer Banks Wednesday afternoon, according to the SPC.

Forecast Accumulation

On the warm side of these low pressure systems, we may see up to 1-2" of rain. Here's a look at our rainfall forecast:

Coastal Alerts

For the Carolina region, minor coastal flooding will also be possible along the immediate coast with 1-2 feet of inundation possible. This will be most noticeable around high tide, which will primarily occur during the middle to late morning. For the rest of the story watch us 24/7 on WeatherNation!
All Weather News
More
River Levels Expected to Rise Again in the Northwest

River Levels Expected to Rise Again in the Northwest

NORTHWEST - A state of emergency was declared

16 Dec 2025 3:00 AM
Rainy System To Move Over Snow

Rainy System To Move Over Snow

NORTHERN PLAINS - On Wednesday, a low-pressur

16 Dec 2025 3:00 AM
Record Warmth Out West Continues

Record Warmth Out West Continues

Unseasonably warm temperatures are continuing

16 Dec 2025 2:35 AM
Arctic Blast Settles into the Southeast

Arctic Blast Settles into the Southeast

Rounds of arctic air have been funneling in f

15 Dec 2025 4:15 PM
Breaking Out the Shovels in the Northeast

Breaking Out the Shovels in the Northeast

So far this winter season, the major cities a

15 Dec 2025 1:20 AM
End of Year Travel Expected to Break Records

End of Year Travel Expected to Break Records

As 2025 comes to an end, many people are expe

14 Dec 2025 7:45 AM
Next Round: More Snow for the Ohio Valley and Appalachians Overnight

Next Round: More Snow for the Ohio Valley and Appalachians Overnight

A series of clipper systems continues to trac

14 Dec 2025 3:25 AM