Severe thunderstorms are targeting the Southeast on Saturday afternoon, with areas of Virginia and the Carolinas under alert. Severe thunderstorm watches have been issued for portions of North Carolina and South Carolina through the evening.
The primary hazard associated with these storms is expected to be strong, potentially damaging wind gusts. Cities in the alert areas include Norfolk, Virginia, and Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Asheville, North Carolina, as well as Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina.
On Sunday, the severe weather threat shifts south to parts of South Carolina and Georgia, including Charleston and Savannah. Damaging winds remain the main concern, with the possibility of flash flooding also present. Despite these localized threats, much of the country is experiencing quiet weather conditions for the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Flash Flood Threat in the Southwest
In the Southwest, the potential for flash flooding returns on Sunday, with a level 2 of 4 risk over parts of southern Nevada, northern Arizona, and Utah. This includes popular national parks such as Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon, which have recently experienced significant flash flooding.
A Flood Watch has been issued for Sunday across portions of Utah, including Cedar City, Beaver, Richfield, and Price, as well as Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. While not as widespread as previous events, scattered thunderstorms later in the day could produce heavy rain and flash flooding, particularly in areas with recent wildfire burn scars.
For Labor Day on Monday, no organized severe weather is anticipated, with most of the country expected to have tranquil conditions. Scattered thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds, and isolated downpours may still occur in some areas.