Showers and storms are expected to persist in the central North Carolina region throughout Friday afternoon and evening. Lee and Chatham counties are the first areas to be under thunderstorm warnings, which were issued by the National Weather Service in Raleigh at 2:40 p.m. and will be in effect until 3:30 p.m. Wind gusts of up to 60 m.p.h. and penny-sized hail are expected in these counties. The NWS has reported a severe thunderstorm spotted near Sanford, moving northeast at 20 m.p.h., which is likely to impact Sanford, Pittsboro, Goldston, Gum Springs, and Jordan Lake. Stay updated with the CBS 17 Storm Team forecast to keep track of Friday’s Level 1 severe weather and the weekend outlook.