TIMELINE: Heavy rain to impact Carolinas Friday

CHARLOTTE — Strong-to-severe thunderstorms were in the forecast Friday but those threats were downgraded as it got closer.

There are still threats of gusty winds, lightning, and the possibility of a quick spin-up tornado but they are not as widespread. Rain is expected to start after lunchtime.

Severe Weather Center 9′s Keith Monday said Friday morning that gusty winds over 40 mph are possible.

Storm timeline:

• Noon to 3 p.m.: A steady rain moves in. Winds pick up to 20+ mph. Rain will start in western counties before moving toward Charlotte.
• 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.: More powerful storms will try to break through. The Charlotte area could see storms strengthen around 4 or 5 p.m.
• 9 p.m.: Conditions will settle down.

The risk of flooding should be lower than Tuesday’s, but areas that already have saturated ground are more likely to see flooding.

Highs on Friday will be around 60 degrees.

Conditions should then clear up for the weekend.

Watch the latest forecast in the video below.

Thursday evening's forecast with Meteorologist John Ahrens

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