Storm timeline for Carolinas: Severe weather possible Monday across region (2025)

Line of strong storms to move in during afternoon

By Eric Garlick, Luke Tucker and Cassidy Johncox

Published: Mar. 31, 2025 at 12:49 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Strong-to-severe storms were possible in North Carolina and South Carolina on Monday.

A line of storms was moving across the region and through the Carolinas in the afternoon on Monday, March 31. Here’s a look at what to expect, according to our First Alert meteorologists.

Isolated storms to start

A line of storms approached the Charlotte area through the early morning hours, but diminished as it drifted to the east.

That movement increased the threat for severe weather for the afternoon and evening. Some other factors, such as cloud cover, could also impact just how severe the storms may become on Monday. More cloud cover earlier on would mean a lesser chance for severe weather.

A few isolated storms could develop during the early afternoon hours on Monday.

A second line of storms was expected to form later in the day and push through the Carolinas.

Severe weather threat timing varies by region

Severe weather will be possible across the region at different times, starting earlier in the day for those more west, and ending later in the day for those further east.

The severe weather threat will last from noon-3 p.m. across the mountains in North Carolina.
For those in the foothills and into the I-77 corridor, the severe threat was expected between 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
For those along and east of the I-77 corridor, the severe threat was expected between 4 p.m.-9 p.m. on Monday.

Storm timeline for Carolinas: Severe weather possible Monday across region (1)

Storms could bring strong winds, tornadoes

Strong-to-severe storms could bring a variety of hazards to the region, including:

Damaging winds
Large hail
Isolated tornadoes

As of 12:45 p.m. Monday, a severe thunderstorm watch was in place for counties across the Charlotte region in both North and South Carolina. No other watches or warnings were in effect, at that time.

Click here to see all active weather alerts for the region.

Storm timeline for Carolinas: Severe weather possible Monday across region (2)

Stay tuned to WBTV on air and online for the latest weather updates. Find our latest First Alert weather forecasts online right here.

Avoid downed power lines

When power lines are knocked down amid severe weather, it’s vital to avoid them at all costs.

Here are some safety tips regarding downed power lines, from Duke Energy:

Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging.
Consider all power lines -- as well as trees, limbs and anything else in contact with power lines -- energized and dangerous.
Report all power line hazards to Duke Energy at 800-228-8485, or contact your local emergency services department or agency.
Keep children and family pets away from areas where lines may have fallen (backyards, fields, schoolyards, etc.).
If a power line falls across a car that you’re in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.

Power outage maps for all power companies in Carolinas

Below is a list of real-time outage maps for all power companies in North Carolina and South Carolina, as provided by officials.

North Carolina

Duke Energy 800-769-3766
Duke Energy Progress 800-419-6356
Dominion Energy 866-366-4357
Albemarle EMC 800-274-2072
Blue Ridge Electric 800-448-2383
Brunswick EMC 800-682-5309
Cape Hatteras Electric Coop. 866-511-9862
Carteret-Craven Electric Coop. 800-682-2217
Central EMC 877-766-6769
City of Concord - Concord Electric Systems (Call 704-920-5555 to report outages)
Edgecombe-Martin County EMC 800-690-0657
Energy United 800-386-4833
Four County EMC 888-368-7289
French Broad EMC 828-649-2051
Halifax EMC 800-690-0522
Haywood EMC 800-951-6088
Jones-Onslow EMC 800-681-4146
Lumbee River EMC 800-683-5571
Pee Dee EMC 800-693-0190
Piedmont EMC 800-449-2667
Pitt and Greene EMC 800-622-1362
Randolph EMC 877-736-2633
Roanoke Electric Cooperative 800-358-9437
Rutherford EMC 800-521-0920
South River EMC 800-338-5530
Surry-Yadkin EMC 336-356-4141
Tideland EMC 800-637-1079
Tri-County EMC 800-548-4869
Union Power 800-794-4423
Wake EMC 800-743-3155
Wilson Energy 252-399-2424

North Carolina outage resources are provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.