'Now is the time' | North Carolinians urged to prepare for severe weather Thursday The state emergency operations center will be activated for Thursday's severe weather, and they’re not the only ones in preparation mode. Author: Lana Harris Updated: 12:39 PM EDT March 18, 2021 CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina emergency officials say strong tornados, localized flooding, hail, and damaging wind gusts are all possible throughout the state on Thursday. "All North Carolinians should continue to monitor the forecast as details and expected timing will be refined over the next 12 to 24 hours,” said Will Ray, North Carolina Emergency Management chief of staff. Ray said the state emergency operations center will be activated for Thursday's severe weather, and they’re not the only ones in preparation mode.