Strong Storm with 40 MPH Winds Moving Through Avery, Caldwell, Burke, McDowell

A Special Weather Statement has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Greenville-Spartanburg SC for Avery, Caldwell Mountains, Greater Caldwell, Burke Mountains, Greater Burke, McDowell Mountains, and Eastern McDowell counties, effective until 7:00 AM EDT today, October 11, 2026.

At 6:22 AM EDT, NWS radar detected a strong thunderstorm 9 miles northeast of Marion, near Lake James, moving northeast at 45 mph. The primary hazard is wind gusts up to 40 mph, which could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. If you are outdoors, seek shelter inside a building immediately.

Locations impacted include Lenoir, Morganton, Glen Alpine, Lake James State Park, Table Rock, Lake James, Gamewell, Grandfather Mountain State Park, and Nebo. Residents in these areas should monitor local radio and television stations for potential updates or warnings from the National Weather Service. Conditions are favorable for the development of a very brief, weak tornado. Be prepared to take immediate action if a tornado is sighted or a Tornado Warning is issued.