US Weather Warning: Tornado Watch Issued for 10 North Carolina Counties, South Carolina | Today’s news
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado watch covering 10 counties in southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina, with the warning remaining in effect until 5:00 PM EDT Sunday.
In North Carolina, the alert covers Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender and Robeson counties.
In South Carolina, Dillon, Horry, Marion and Marlboro counties are included in the watch.
The affected areas include several cities and towns in both states. These include Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Lumberton, Conway, Leland, Southport, Whiteville, Elizabethtown, Bennettsville, Dillon, Marion, Mullins and Surf City.
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Other communities affected by the warning include Bladenboro, Boiling Spring Lakes, Burgaw, Chadbourn, Garden City, Lake Waccamaw, Little River, Long Beach, McColl, Oak Island, Red Hill, Socastee, Sunset Beach and Tabor City.
A tornado warning has been issued for two North Carolina counties
The NWS office in Raleigh issued a tornado warning for Chatham and Randolph counties at 10:22 a.m. EDT Sunday. The warning ended at 10:45 a.m
At the time, a severe thunderstorm capable of forming a tornado was reported near the North Carolina Zoo. The storm was moving northeast at 30 mph, according to the weather service.
The NWS warned of potentially hazardous conditions, saying: “Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. There will be damage to roofs, windows and vehicles. Tree damage is likely.”
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The warning affected several locations, including Asheboro, the North Carolina Zoo, Liberty, Ramseur, Franklinville, Staley and Coleridge.
Portions of Interstate 73 were also included in the alert, specifically the sections between Route 65 and Route 68 and between Route 70 and Route 72.
NWS issues safety advisory
The weather service urged people in affected areas to seek shelter immediately and avoid exposure to flying debris.
“Take shelter immediately! Move to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If outside, in a mobile home or vehicle, move to the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris,” the NWS said.
Tornadoes reported in South Carolina
The latest warnings follow reports of tornado activity in South Carolina as the remnants of Isaias moved across the state Saturday and early Sunday.
The NWS tracked a confirmed tornado from Allendale County to Barnwell County and reported another tornado in Fairfield County.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a tornado moving through Allendale County. No injuries were reported, although power lines were hit and some damage was noted.