Updated: Severe storms possible in central and southeastern NC Friday. What to expect.

Severe storms bringing hail, strong winds and even tornadoes are possible in central North Carolina on Friday as a cold front moves through the state., forecasters say.

The greatest risk of severe weather is Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. The risk of a tornado is low, forecasters say, but not zero.

Forecasters issued a hazardous weather outlook for 13 counties, including Wake, Johnston, Chatham, Lee, Moore and Harnett. In those counties, the risk of severe weather is considered marginal, 1 out of 5.

The risk is slight — 2 out of 5 — in four southeastern North Carolina counties, the weather service said. Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland and Sampson County residents will have the chance of severe weather through Friday night, according to the severe weather outlook issued for that area.

What are the potential hazards?

According to the National Weather Service, multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are possible Friday. A few storms could be severe, with strong straight-line winds and large hail possible.

“An isolated tornado is also possible,” the outlook says.

What’s causing the instability?

Meteorologists say the cold front that moved across the U.S. this week — blamed for causing tornadoes that hit Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan and Tennessee, as well as Cleveland and Gaston counties in North Carolina — is interacting with an unseasonably warm, moist air mass over the state.

What’s the forecast for Mother’s Day weekend?

Conditions should improve Saturday, forecasters say.

Cooler, drier air should make for a pleasant weekend. Forecasters say Saturday will be sunny with a high near 74 degrees. Mother’s Day on Sunday will be sunny with a high of 76 degrees. Lows Saturday and Sunday will be in the mid-50s.

What to do in a tornado

North Carolina gets an average of 31 tornadoes per year . “Tornado season” is March through May, but they can happen any time.

The National Weather Service offers these tips :

▪ Be ready: Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.

▪ At home: If you are in a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room or an interior room away from windows. Gather pets if time allows.

▪ At work or school: Follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gyms or auditoriums.

▪ Outside : Seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent.

▪ In a vehicle : Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine.