Duplin County got an unwelcome jolt Tuesday afternoon when the National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for a strong thunderstorm capable of delivering damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning. The storm was expected to track northeast across the county, and residents were urged to head indoors, tie down anything that might fly, and keep nonessential trips off the roads while the line moved through. Local emergency officials warned that brief but intense downpours and falling limbs could quickly turn county roads into trouble spots.
Radar tracked a fast-moving cell near Harrells
Doppler radar locked onto a strong thunderstorm near Harrells, about 13 miles west of Wallace, moving northeast at roughly 40 mph. Forecasters warned that wind could gust up to 50 mph, strong enough to knock down tree limbs and send unsecured outdoor items tumbling, according to the National Weather Service. The special weather statement put the advisory in effect until 2:30 p.m. for portions of Duplin County. For the latest text products from the office, see the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office.
Communities named in the alert
The alert called out a long list of Duplin County communities as sitting in the storm’s path, including Wallace, Warsaw, Rose Hill, Beulaville, Kenansville, Potters Hill, Harrells, Sarecta, Magnolia, Greenevers and Teachey, according to the News & Observer. Local emergency managers cautioned that lightning and sudden, strong gusts could bring down power lines and lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Lightning and driving risks
The National Weather Service notes that lightning strikes about 25 million times a year in the United States and kills roughly 20 people annually, a reminder that being outside in a storm is not worth the gamble. The agency advises heading into a sturdy building or a hard-topped vehicle and waiting at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before heading back out. See the National Weather Service for more on lightning safety.
On the roads, drivers are urged to slow down in heavy rain, leave extra room between vehicles and steer clear of standing water. If a vehicle starts to hydroplane, the guidance is to ease off the gas, hold the wheel steady and continue to steer straight until the tires regain traction. More on storm and wet-weather driving precautions is available in the New York State Driver's Manual.
How to stay updated
Duplin County residents can sign up for local alerts and check active advisories on the county’s alert page. Officials recommend keeping phones charged, securing outdoor furniture and decorations, and postponing nonessential travel until storms move out of the area. Local radio, NOAA Weather Radio and county communication channels are expected to carry any new warnings or changes in the situation. For county messages and alerts, see Duplin County's Alert Center.
