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Tornado watch extends overnight as line of storms moves through Triangle
Raleigh, N.C. — Severe weather is set to move into central North Carolina late Sunday.
Main points
- The entire viewing area is under a level 2 risk for severe weather Sunday, with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes possible later in the day.
- Many counties under a tornado watch until 5 a.m.
- Subscribe to receive WRAL weather alerts in case of severe weather
Severe weather expected in central NC tonight
A tornado watch was in effect for much of central North Carolina as a line of storms is expected to move into the area. Hail and strong winds will be possible Sunday night and into early Monday morning along with isolated flooding. Storms of this nature could produce downed trees, heavy rains and severe lightning. Outdoor furniture and plants should be secured or moved inside along with pets that may become frightened by the storm.
“Given the timing [of these storms] it’s especially important that you have at least one way to receive severe weather warnings,” said WRAL meteorologist Kat Campbell. “While not everyone will see a tornado at their house by any means, there will be more of the ingredient that helps storms start rotating in the atmosphere. Please stay weather aware!”
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The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for several counties, including Chatham, Durham, Johnson, Orange and Robeson, that stretches until Monday morning. To see all of the areas under warnings, click here.
The risk for severe weather will end Monday, which should be breezy with showers possible during the morning commute before a sunny, warm afternoon.
The rest of the week will also be warm and mostly clear.
Severe weather damage in North Carolina
A sinkhole on Sunday closed both lanes of Davis Road near Oak Ridge Drive. According to officials, the road flooded Saturday, causing the sinkhole to open on Sunday morning. Officials did not say how long the road would be closed.
The National Weather Service confirmed Saturday that a tornado touched down 8 miles southwest of Fuquay-Varina on Friday evening. The tornado had winds between 75 and 80 mph and was on the ground for about four minutes. It led to minor tree damage and no injures, the National Weather Service reported.
A similar weather pattern could affect the viewing area tonight, cautioned Campbell.
Some areas were still grappling with flooded waters on Sunday, including in Johnston County, where parts of Creech Church Road at N.C. State Highway 42 were submerged under water.
The Gold Park and Riverwalk trails in Hillsborough were closed Saturday and Sunday due to heavy flooding. In Nash County, about 130 Boy Scouts were rescued from Camp Charles after Saturday’s rainfall washed out a road that the troop had used to get to their campgrounds.