If you were out in southeastern North Carolina Tuesday evening, the sky was not messing around. Thunderstorms barreled across the region, dragging penny-size hail and strong wind gusts through parts of Columbus and Robeson counties and sending people hustling indoors.
The National Weather Service warned that the storms could pack wind gusts around 60 mph, with hail big enough to dent cars and knock branches to the ground. The severe weather prompted residents to seek quick shelter as the system pushed through.
At 6:47 p.m., the Wilmington office of the National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning, in effect until 7:30 p.m., covering portions of Columbus and Robeson counties, according to the News & Observer. The alert specifically called out several towns in the path, including Dillon, Mullins, Latta, Fair Bluff and Lake View, and said the storm was moving east at about 25 mph. People in the crosshairs were told to brace for hail up to roughly 0.75 inches in diameter and to be ready for possible tree and power-line damage.
National Weather Service in Wilmington forecasters described the storm as being "over Floydale, or 7 miles southeast of Dillon," moving east at 25 mph, and warned residents to expect wind damage to trees and power lines. The agency also reminded people that lightning is no small threat, striking about 25 million times across the United States each year and causing roughly 20 deaths annually. Forecasters urged anyone in the warning area to move to interior rooms on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. They also asked residents who spot hail or wind damage to report it to the Wilmington office at 1-800-697-3901.
What to do when hail and high winds hit
When storms like this roll in, being caught outside is not ideal. If you are outdoors, head for a sturdy building and stay clear of open fields and tall, isolated trees. If you are behind the wheel, slow down and steer clear of flooded or debris-strewn roads. These are among the key safety steps highlighted by local reporting and by forecasters, as the News & Observer noted. After the storm passes, officials advise checking for downed lines from a safe distance and reporting any damage to local authorities before attempting cleanup.
Storm season context
This latest squall line is part of a run of fast-moving storms that have hammered the area in recent months, bringing hail and gusty winds to Bladen, Columbus and Robeson counties. Earlier rounds were detailed in Hoodline coverage of how a storm line slams counties, underscoring how quickly these cells can flare up and move through. Emergency managers say short, intense bursts like these can cause much of the damage in just a few minutes, which makes getting to shelter quickly the safest play.
Local officials and utility crews are keeping watch for power outages and fallen trees, and residents are urged to stay tuned to county emergency management updates and forecasts from the National Weather Service in Wilmington. For the full text of current warnings and the latest watches, visit the National Weather Service in Wilmington website or call 1-800-697-3901 to report severe hail or wind damage.
