South Raleigh News

Today, Governor Josh Stein, alongside emergency officials, provided an update on the severe weather affecting North Carolina. Residents are being urged to prepare for severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, isolated tornadoes, and damaging wind gusts as the storm moves eastward. The governor emphasized the importance of staying informed through emergency alerts and having a plan to seek shelter if necessary.

“Our State Emergency Response Team is in contact with its partners across the state and ready to respond with any tool at its disposal to keep North Carolinians safe through this severe weather,” said Governor Josh Stein. He advised residents to "listen to your local weather forecast for updates, enable emergency alerts on your cell phone, and have a plan to take immediate cover if a severe weather warning for tornadoes is issued for your area."

The public is reminded of several preparedness tips during periods of severe weather: seek shelter inside sturdy structures away from windows; secure outdoor items that could become airborne; ensure cell phones are charged with enabled emergency alerts; and be prepared to take cover if warnings are issued. It is important to differentiate between a watch—indicating potential conditions—and a warning—signifying expected hazardous conditions.

A tornado watch has been issued until 1:00 pm for 24 counties across the Triangle extending towards the coastal plain. Union County has reported structural damage due to winds, prompting ongoing communication between state and local emergency management teams.

A Wind Advisory remains in effect through Wednesday evening across much of North Carolina. Specifically, areas like the Outer Banks will experience advisories until 10:00 p.m., while higher elevations in portions of the mountains face a High Wind Warning with gusts potentially reaching 70 mph.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has expanded its Enhanced Risk level slightly westward within central North Carolina while maintaining it in eastern regions. A Slight Risk level persists across foothills areas. Primary concerns include damaging wind gusts up to 75 mph and possible strong tornadoes particularly in eastern parts of the state. While storms may redevelop later today into Wednesday evening around Piedmont regions, severity is not anticipated at previous levels.

Additionally, a Coastal Flood Advisory is active through early Thursday morning for Ocracoke & Hatteras Islands along with northern Outer Banks locales where minor flooding near shorelines might occur due to soundside coastal flooding or ocean overwash especially under southerly winds.

For more detailed information on preparedness measures visit www.readync.gov.