A fast moving summer storm had East Carteret residents battening down on Sunday evening, as the National Weather Service flagged a powerful thunderstorm with torrential rain, frequent cloud to ground lightning and damaging wind gusts sweeping toward the coast. Doppler radar showed the cell marching east, and the alert remained in effect into the evening as officials warned of localized flooding and falling tree limbs. People in low lying and coastal communities were urged to seek shelter and tie down anything that might turn into airborne lawn decor.
What the NWS reported
According to the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office, an updated special weather statement went out at 7:36 p.m. Sunday for strong thunderstorms in East Carteret through 8 p.m. Forecasters said radar was tracking a storm over Williston, about 8 miles northeast of Harkers Island, moving east at roughly 35 mph. The office cautioned that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and send unsecured objects tumbling.
Towns and roads in the path
The alert called out a long list of communities and landmarks in the storm’s path, including Morehead City, Harkers Island, North River, Sealevel and Marshallberg, and stretched across barrier island spots and local points of interest. As reported by the Charlotte Observer, the storm was already producing torrential rainfall capable of triggering localized flooding along with frequent lightning.
How to stay safe
Officials urged anyone caught outside to get into a sturdy building or vehicle as quickly as possible, noting that lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from an active thunderstorm, according to the National Weather Service. Drivers were reminded not to try their luck with flooded roadways, and residents were advised to steer clear of downed power lines and hold off on dealing with wind tossed yard items until conditions settle down.
Lightning remains a serious warm weather hazard in the United States, with roughly 25 million strikes each year and about 20 fatalities annually, a figure noted in local coverage. Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on official NWS products and Carteret County emergency channels for neighborhood specific alerts and immediate updates as storms develop.
