FORECAST: Severe storms hit western counties

ABOVE: The latest forecast update from Severe Weather Center 9. To stay on top of changing weather conditions, be sure to download our free WSOC-TV weather app .

Warnings:

There is a tropical storm warning for parts of our area

• Flash flood warning issued for Watauga County until 4:45 a.m. Thursday.
• Flash flood warnings issued for Avery and Burke counties until 1:45 a.m.

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FORECAST:

• A system in Watauga County prompted a tornado warning. There has not been any confirmed.
• “Buckle up friends and get ready for a major weather event, especially for our friends west of Charlotte,” said Chief Meteorologist John Ahrens on Wednesday afternoon.
• A steady downpour will unfold for the mountains well before we experience anything from Hurricane Helene .
• This will already bring a high flooding threat to the mountains.
• Some storms could try to make a run at the Charlotte area tonight,” Ahrens said.
• Then rain will slowly unfold from Helene on Thursday with the weather intensifying to a major rain and wind event Thursday night into Friday morning.

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WEATHER RESOURCES:

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• Chief Meteorologist John Ahrens
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