Phones across central North Carolina lit up Sunday afternoon as a severe thunderstorm warning went out for Johnston, Nash and Wilson counties, putting the region on alert for damaging straight-line winds and hail. Forecasters said gusts could approach 60 mph and hail could reach roughly 0.75 inches in diameter, strong enough to strip shingles and snap tree limbs. The alert stretched across key travel routes, including portions of I-95 and NC-264, raising the stakes for anyone trying to navigate the evening commute.
What the National Weather Service warned
The National Weather Service office in Raleigh issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 4:38 p.m., reporting that a storm was located over Bailey and moving southeast at about 15 mph. “Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees,” the agency warned. The cell was expected to produce wind gusts near 60 mph and penny-size hail, about 0.75 inches, and the warning remained in effect until 5 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Where the warning applied
The warning named several locations in its path, including Wilson, Elm City, Bailey, Middlesex and Sims, along with nearby reservoirs and waterways. It also covered Interstate 95 between mile markers 127 and 116 and NC Highway 264 between mile markers 23 and 38, as detailed by the News & Observer.
Safety and driving tips
Officials urged people in the warning area to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and to avoid unnecessary travel until the storm moves on. Slick pavement and hydroplaning are common hazards in these conditions, so drivers were reminded to slow down, keep headlights on, and never attempt to drive through standing water, guidance that was echoed in the National Weather Service alert.
