A fast-moving line of strong thunderstorms had Warren and Halifax counties on alert Thursday afternoon, as the National Weather Service updated its warning and storms muscled their way east across the region.
The alert, issued around 1:49 p.m., warned that the cells could kick up wind gusts to around 40 mph. Doppler radar tracked one storm near Norlina, sliding east at about 25 mph. The warning zone covered Roanoke Rapids, Norlina, Littleton, Macon, Rosemary and the shores of Lake Gaston, with an extra heads-up for stretches of Interstate 95 and Interstate 85 where flying debris and falling limbs could quickly turn a drive into a white-knuckle ride.
Where the Storm Is Headed
According to The News & Observer, the National Weather Service said the warning would remain in effect until about 2:45 p.m., with the strongest storm cell sitting roughly 7 miles north of Warrenton at the time. The outlet notes that marinas, lakeside neighborhoods and the Roanoke Rapids Lake area are among the spots to keep an eye on as the line of storms drifts east.
Lightning and Safety
The National Weather Service says lightning hits the United States about 25 million times a year and is blamed for roughly 20 deaths annually. The agency sticks to its well-known advice: “When thunder roars, go indoors,” and wait a full 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder or flash of lightning before heading back outside. In other words, if you can hear it, you should not be outside trying to wait it out on the porch.
Driving in the Storm
The News & Observer also reports that heavy rain and gusty winds could make travel tricky on I-95 and I-85. Drivers are urged to flip on their headlights, favor middle lanes where possible and steer clear of any flooded stretches of road. Brief downpours raise the risk of hydroplaning, and the warning emphasized that wind-blown debris can show up suddenly in the roadway, creating an immediate hazard for motorists.
What to Watch Next
The National Weather Service office in Raleigh highlighted in its Hazardous Weather Outlook that isolated to scattered strong to severe storms are possible this afternoon and evening, with damaging straight-line winds the main threat. Forecasters advise keeping an eye on short-term updates as conditions evolve and watching for any extensions, cancellations or fresh warnings through the rest of the day.
