Possible severe weather this weekend and Tropical Season kicks off a day early with Arthur

Hello there and a good Saturday to you.
Officially, Hurricane season begins June 1st for the Atlantic basin, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. However, a tropical storm named Arthur couldn't wait another day.
More on that in a moment, but first, we have a possibility of strong to severe storms for NC this afternoon and evening and then again on Sunday.
The slight risk for strong to severe storms that could produce damaging winds and large hail will be statewide for the first half of the weekend, and a bit farther south Sunday.

Saturday's risk map (courtesy Storm Prediction Center)

Sunday's risk map (courtesy Storm Prediction Center)

Saturday's possible storms are expected to develop during the peak heating hours of the afternoon and continue into the evening and diminish overnight. Sunday's risk area (as of 130 pm Saturday) includes the Sandhills and areas downeast of I-95. So Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Farmville and Wilson have that risk. Raleigh is awfully close to the risk area, so you should also be on the lookout as well. Storms are expected to also develop as we get into the afternoon but since they will get some support from an approaching cold front they are expected to remain a threat through the nighttime hours.
Here's more in your Weather on the Ones Video Blog:

Now, as I said, the hurricane season officially kicks off a day early with Tropical Storm Arthur.

(following 2 graphics courtesy National Hurricane Center)

Arthur quickly formed from the remnants of a Pacific storm named Alma that crossed over Central America late last week.

From the National Hurricane Center: as of 1pm EDT: THE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE HAS ISSUED ATROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR THE COAST OF BELIZE....AND THEGOVERNMENT OF MEXICO HAS ISSUED A TROPICAL STORM WARNING FROM CABOCATOCHE SOUTHWARD TO THE BORDER WITH BELIZE. A TROPICAL STORMWARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITHINTHE WARNING AREA..IN THIS CASE...WITHIN THE NEXT 6 TO 12 HOURS.

Arthur is moving W-NW at about 8 mph, which would bring the center of circulation over the Yucatan today and early Sunday. maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts. Arthur is expected to weaken today as it moves farther inland over Yucatan.

As we get into this hurricane season, as with any other active weather that affects our area, stay with your Weather on the Ones Forecast Team for updates.

Have a great weekend.

Pati Darak