Storms are closing in on the Fayetteville area Wednesday afternoon, and forecasters say they could pack a punch. The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a special weather statement for Cumberland and Sampson counties, warning that storm cells tracked near Fayetteville are moving east at roughly 15 mph and could bring gusty winds and frequent lightning.
What Forecasters Are Saying
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a special weather statement issued at 3:26 p.m. reported a strong thunderstorm moving east at about 15 mph. The office noted that "gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects" and said the warning was expected to stay in effect through 4:30 p.m.
Who Is In The Path
The alert lists Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Eastover, Roseboro, Stedman, Autryville, Vander, Bushy Lake Natural Area and Cedar Creek among the locations in the storm’s path. It also explicitly includes Interstate 95 between Mile Markers 58 and 41. As reported by the Raleigh News & Observer, the notice is aimed at warning residents and commuters in those communities.
Lightning And Safety Tips
According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times each year and leads to roughly 20 deaths annually. Forecasters urge people to head into a sturdy shelter at the first clap of thunder. If you are indoors, they advise avoiding corded phones, plumbing and windows, and waiting at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before going back outside.
Hazards On The Highway
The National Weather Service statement specifically calls out Interstate 95 within the warning area, underscoring that sudden gusts and heavy rain can quickly make highway travel hazardous. Local reporting from the Raleigh News & Observer notes that officials recommend slowing down, leaving extra following distance and steering clear of flooded crossings until storms move through.
Forecasters and emergency managers are urging residents to keep an eye on official updates and to head indoors at the first sign of lightning or damaging winds. We will update this post if new advisories are issued.
