Storms may delay Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday
The return of thunderstorms to Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday evening could cause a delay at the Coca-Cola 600.
A very busy weather pattern will continue to trigger multiple areas of showers and thunderstorms over a large part of the central and eastern United States through the Memorial Day weekend.
Cars sit on pit road before the start of a NASCAR race, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
"With many weather systems progressing from west to east, we cannot rule out showers and thunderstorms moving from the Appalachians to the Interstate 85 corridor of North Carolina into Sunday evening," according to AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams.
"The bulk of the activity may be during the early evening hours," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Rob Miller. "There could be some delays during the first part of the race as a result."
Where thunderstorms occur, there will be the potential for flash and urban flooding, strong wind gusts, hail and frequent lightning strikes.
In the unlikely event the race is postponed, there will be a continued risk of heavy thunderstorms on Memorial Day.
Sunscreen is advised for those partaking in the many pre-race activities prior to the thundestorms.
People should seek shelter indoors or in a vehicle at the first rumble of thunder. Tents, canopies and picnic pavilions do not offer adequate protection from lightning.
For those camping in the Appalachians to the west, there will be an elevated risk of flash flooding this weekend. Avoid setting up camp in low-lying areas along small streams. A thick forest offers lower risk from a lightning strike as opposed to a large open area.
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