CHARLOTTE, N.C. — State leaders are preparing for severe weather that will impact the southeast on Tuesday.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for the state ahead of severe thunderstorms that are expected on Tuesday. Cooper's declaration allows restrictions on truck weight, size, and hours of service to be lifted to ensure essential products are delivered as fast as possible.

There is a chance for strong to severe thunderstorms, wind gusts up to 50 mph, flooding rains ranging from 1-4 inches, and even tornadoes across the Carolinas and Charlotte area, according to WCNC Charlotte meteorologists. 

Downed trees and power outages are expected across the state. The worst of the weather arrives around noon and all severe threats will close by the evening.