Storms with damaging winds rolled across parts of Hyde County on Sunday afternoon after the National Weather Service upgraded a strong storm bulletin to a severe thunderstorm warning. Forecasters said gusts could reach about 60 mph and warned that powerful outflow winds could down limbs, rip siding and damage roofs. The alert focused on mainland communities around Lake Mattamuskeet, where radar showed a fast moving line of cells pushing through.
Where the warning applies
As reported by The Charlotte Observer, the NWS Newport/Morehead City office issued an updated warning at 2:59 p.m. Sunday that was in effect until 3:30 p.m. The bulletin said the storm was located over Swindell Fork and moving east at roughly 20 mph, and it listed Fairfield, Swindell Fork, Rose Bay and Lake Mattamuskeet among the areas at risk. Local officials and residents along the causeway and the lake were urged to monitor conditions and take shelter immediately if the storm approached.
What forecasters recommend
The National Weather Service advised, "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building," and warned residents to "expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees," the National Weather Service said. Radar indicated wind threats were the chief reason for the warning, and forecasters emphasized that wind damage often arrives ahead of the heaviest rain and lightning. Residents were urged to keep a battery powered radio on or emergency phone alerts active in case the warning is extended or a new product is issued.
Lightning risk and timing
Lightning is an immediate hazard with these storms. The National Weather Service notes that lightning strikes the U.S. roughly 25 million times a year and kills about 20 people on average annually. To reduce the risk from a delayed strike, the agency recommends waiting "30 minutes after the final lightning or thunder before heading outside again" according to National Weather Service lightning safety guidance.
Driving, hydroplaning and flood safety
Heavy rain under a thunderstorm can produce standing water and raise the risk of hydroplaning, which is a function of vehicle speed, water depth and tire tread depth, according to federal highway research. The FHWA notes that even a thin film of water can lift tires off the pavement, so drivers should slow down, leave extra space and avoid pooled water when possible; see FHWA for technical background. If you encounter a flooded roadway, federal preparedness guidance reminds motorists, "Turn Around, Don't Drown" and advises never driving into standing or flowing water, since just a few inches can disable a car or sweep it off the road (Ready.gov).
