Severe storms are moving into the Upstate area of South Carolina and Western North Carolina, coinciding with the excitement of the NCAA men’s tournament. Wind gusts of 50-60 mph are expected, prompting a Wind Advisory for areas above 3500 feet in western North Carolina.
As the weather takes a turn, the University of North Carolina (UNC), a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament, is preparing to face Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in the first round at 6:50 p.m. on Thursday. UNC has a solid track record, having played 13 games against teams in the NCAA field, with a record of 7-6.
Historically, UNC has performed well in Greenville, S.C., with a perfect 2-0 record in NCAA tournament games held there. This marks their 55th appearance in the NCAA tournament, underscoring the program’s long-standing tradition of success.
In addition to UNC’s matchup, Duke is set to play in the East Regional in Washington, with early-round games also taking place in Greenville. Meanwhile, Clemson, the No. 8 seed in the South, will face No. 9 Iowa on Friday in Tampa.
The weather forecast indicates that the greatest risk of severe weather will be east of the viewing area by the afternoon. As Blake Bridges, a local meteorologist, noted, “Our goal every day, in every forecast is accuracy.” This sentiment is echoed by Chief Meteorologist Chris Justus and the WYFF News 4 weather team, who are recognized for their reliable forecasts.
With the NCAA tournament underway and severe weather on the horizon, residents and fans alike are bracing for a weekend filled with both excitement and caution. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact of the storms as the tournament progresses.
