Parts of Carolinas at enhanced risk for severe weather on Wednesday: What that means

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Severe storms were possible across the Carolinas on Wednesday as the region grappled with a heat wave.

Parts of central and southern North Carolina and parts of South Carolina were at an enhanced risk (level 3 of 5) for severe weather on Wednesday, June 25. Strong-to-severe thunderstorms were possible across the region.

The surrounding regions in North and South Carolina were at a slight risk (level 2 of 5) or a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) for severe weather on Wednesday.

Afternoon temperatures were in the upper 90s, with feels-like temperatures above 100 degrees.

What does enhanced risk mean?

The National Weather Service categorizes severe thunderstorm risks on a scale of 1-5. Here’s that breakdown, according to the NWS:

• Level 1 - marginal risk: Isolated severe thunderstorms possible, but they’ll be limited in duration and/or coverage and/or intensity.
• Level 2 - slight risk: Scattered severe storms possible. Isolated intense storms possible. They’ll be short-lived and/or not widespread.
• Level 3 - enhanced risk: Numerous severe storms possible. They’ll be more persistent and/or widespread. A few may be intense.
• Level 4 - moderate risk: Widespread severe storms likely. They’ll be long-lived, widespread and intense.
• Level 5 - high risk: Widespread severe storms expected. They’ll be long-lived, very widespread and particularly intense.

What does this mean for Charlotte region?

For parts of North and South Carolina on Wednesday, June 25: Numerous severe storms will be possible. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms were expected to develop Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Click here to read our latest weather forecast.

Strong to severe storms could bring hail and damaging winds. Strong winds could lead to damage of trees and power lines, posing a danger of potential power outages.

Severe thunderstorm warnings and watches were active for several counties across the Charlotte region in both North and South Carolina on Wednesday.

Severe thunderstorm watches were in effect until midnight on Wednesday for a majority of the region. Severe thunderstorm warnings were coming and going, with several active warnings set to expire before 6 p.m.

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

Share your weather pictures, videos

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Interactive radar: Track wet weather

You can track the storms using the interactive radar below.

You can change the layers of the map using the button in the bottom right corner. You can play the past and future radar using the buttons on the bottom left. Use the button with arrows pointing in all directions to make the radar full screen.

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.

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