A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg at 2:22 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25. This warning applies to Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell and Rutherford counties.
Meteorologists warn of winds as strong as 60 mph.
Use caution, officials warn of hail as large as 0.75 inches.
The NWS warns: “Brief damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines over small areas. A brief period of large hail is also possible. Seek shelter inside an interior room. Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature’s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Please report damaging winds, hail, or flooding to the National Weather Service by calling toll free, 1-800-267-8101, or by posting on our Facebook page, or Tweet it using hashtag nwsgsp. Your message should describe the event and the specific location where it occurred.”
See weather radar for Buncombe County
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 2:22 p.m., the NWS issued a statement:
“The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: Southwestern McDowell County in western North Carolina, West central Rutherford County in western North Carolina, Northeastern Henderson County in western North Carolina, Southeastern Buncombe County in western North Carolina, Until 3 p.m. EDT. At 2:22 p.m. EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 16 miles east of Downtown Asheville, or 5 miles north of Chimney Rock Village, moving north at 5 mph.
HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.
SOURCE: Radar indicated.
IMPACT: Expect damage to trees and power lines. Locations impacted include: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock Village, Chimney Rock State Park, Bat Cave, Gerton, Fairview In Buncombe County, Black Mountain, and Swannanoa.”
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
A severe thunderstorm warning means the area is experiencing or is about to experience a storm with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail an inch in diameter or larger.
Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms
Once in a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment and plumbing.
Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of loss of power.
Remember to bring pets inside.
If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds.
Postpone outdoor activities until the storms have passed.
Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Severe thunderstorm warning issued June 25 for Buncombe County