Although many events were planned around the area today, the anticipation of severe weather had some organizers cancel their events. According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va., significant rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to roll through the area this morning and afternoon.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Marc Chenard said showers were to begin around midnight Friday into Saturday morning and strong thunderstorms are expected after 9 a.m.

“The rain that comes in overnight will be light to moderate. We are not expecting thunder with that, but we are expecting a line of storms to move across and the best chance of that happening will be between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. That’s the best chance for severe thunderstorms,” said Chenard.

He said the biggest threat from this storm will be from damaging winds, and he couldn’t rule out an isolated tornado. He said it is possible that the National Weather Service will issue a tornado watch sometime today. Those are issued a couple of hours ahead of a potential threat of a tornado. He said tornado warnings are issued when they think one is potentially on the ground.

“Keep an eye on the sky. You will hear the thunder and see the lightening when it comes close. Try to have a way to receive our warnings. So if you are out and about, they will usually play it on the radio. If you are home, watch the TV or listen to a weather radio as a way to get the warnings. Then if a warning is issued, take shelter,” said Chenard.

He said wind gusts outside of the thunderstorm today should be up to 30 miles per hour. Areas west of Surry County will see much higher winds.

“There is a potential when the storms come through that winds could gust to over 60 miles per hour. That won’t be everywhere, just in the strongest part of the storms. This looks like it’s definitely going to be a good rain producer and the potential is there for seeing some strong and severe storms. It does look like it’s going to be a significant event tomorrow.”

He said flooding is likely in small streams. There is a flash flood watch in effect for Surry County for Saturday, he said.

“When the heavy bands come through, you will get some pretty intense rainfall rates, which may cause some of the smaller streams and creeks to flood,” said Chenard.

Easter Egg Hunt changed

The Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for today at Fisher River Park has been changed to a drive-through event. Millie Hiatt, recreation supervisor with Surry County Parks and Recreation, said parents can still bring their children to the park and drive by the concession area where the Easter Bunny will be handing out Easter eggs. She said the Easter Bunny will be receiving assistance from Buckle Bear. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call the county’s weather event’s line at 401-8240.

Cardinal Cornhole rescheduled

As part of East Surry’s 50th anniversary celebration, a Cardinal Cornhole Classic tournament that was going to be held today from noon to 5 p.m. on the football field has been rescheduled. The rain date for that event is April 30. The place and the time are the same. There will be trophies in three different categories. There will be cash prizes and will be having a silent auction for cornhole boards. There will be a representative from a NASCAR racing team at the event. Other activities and food will be available. To sign up, go to cardinalcornhole@gmail.com. For more information, call Debbie Garris 624-2143. More information is also available on Facebook at Cardinal Cornhole Challenge.

Community Cares Day canceled

The United Fund of Surry’s Community Cares Day projects scheduled for today are canceled due to inclement weather. There have been other projects taken on by: Workforce Carolina, who cleaned up trash along part of the Emily Taylor Greenway this past Wednesday; United Plastics employees will be cleaning trash from the other section of the Emily Taylor Greenway; Southern Community Bank employees will be landscaping at the Red Cross; and Advanced Electronic Services will be painting at the temporary home of Surry SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), who had to relocate due to fire.

The projects planned for today will be rescheduled by the volunteer groups. Those who would like to be involved in any of the Community Cares Day projects can contact the United Fund of Surry at 789-3087.