North Carolina faces severe thunderstorm watch and warning: winds, tornado risks

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm watch on Sunday morning for multiple counties across central North Carolina, including cities such as Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The watch went into effect at 9:45 a.m. and is set to remain until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Additionally, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued later at 10:21 a.m. for parts of the Piedmont Triad region, highlighting active weather concerns throughout the state.

In central North Carolina, the affected counties include Cumberland, Hoke, Wayne, Johnston, Moore, Chatham, Durham, Harnett, Lee, Orange, Sampson, and Wake. The cities under the watch extend to areas such as Aberdeen, Angier, Apex, and Fayetteville, among others.

Meteorologists have identified the primary threats as scattered damaging wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour and the potential for isolated tornadoes to form. NWS officials emphasized the fast-moving nature of the storms, stating:

“A fast-moving line of showers and occasional thunderstorms will produce gusty winds and occasional damaging gusts through the early afternoon. An isolated tornado or two is also possible.”

In the Piedmont Triad, the NWS pinpointed severe thunderstorms along a line stretching from Bermuda Run to near High Rock Lake, moving northeast at 40 mph. Residents in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant, monitor updates, and prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions.

“Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings,” the NWS added. “Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.”

Communities across central North Carolina are urged to take necessary precautions as the storms advance.