Eastern North Carolina got a quick jolt of rough weather Thursday afternoon as the National Weather Service issued a short-lived but urgent alert for strong thunderstorms. Forecasters said Doppler radar picked up a storm cell near Piney Green moving east and warned it could deliver wind gusts up to 40 mph, frequent lightning and heavy rainfall. The advisory covered parts of West Carteret, Inland Onslow, Coastal Onslow and Jones counties and was listed as active into the early afternoon.
According to The News & Observer, the Newport/Morehead City office tracked the thunderstorm over Piney Green moving east at about 20 mph, and the alert named Jacksonville, Pumpkin Center, Piney Green, Stella, Maysville, Silverdale, Kellum, Belgrade, Kuhns and Deppe in the warning area. The report noted the alert was in effect until 2:15 p.m. and urged residents to keep an eye on changing conditions.
What the National Weather Service advised
According to National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City, a broader hazardous weather outlook and flood watch cover much of eastern North Carolina, with forecasters warning of multiple rounds of heavy rain through Friday. The office told residents, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building," and cautioned, "Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways."
Lightning risk and safety
The National Weather Service also stresses that summer storms bring a serious lightning threat. The agency notes that "lightning kills about 20 people each year in the United States," and that the country sees roughly 25 million lightning strikes annually, per National Weather Service guidance. Experts advise moving indoors at the first thunderclap, waiting 30 minutes after the last thunder before heading back outside, and following the familiar "Turn Around, Don't Drown" guidance when faced with flooded streets.
