Raleigh, North Carolina – Severe storms capable of producing tornadoes are threatening central North Carolina Monday afternoon, placing major population centers including Raleigh, Durham and Fayetteville under a Tornado Watch until 2 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, Tornado Watch 66 covers 17 counties across central North Carolina, including Wake, Durham, Orange, Cumberland, Alamance, Chatham, Moore, Lee, Harnett, Scotland, Hoke, Richmond, Montgomery, Anson, Granville, Person and Vance. Conditions support rotating thunderstorms that could produce isolated tornadoes along with damaging wind gusts and intense downpours.
The watch spans the heavily traveled I-40 and I-85 corridors, affecting cities such as Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Burlington, Fayetteville, Sanford, Southern Pines and Henderson. Rapidly developing storms could lead to sudden visibility drops and hazardous driving conditions during the midday and early afternoon hours.
Communities across the Research Triangle and Sandhills region should remain alert for warnings that may be issued with little lead time. Tornado warnings mean rotation has been detected and immediate shelter is needed.
Emergency officials advise residents to enable wireless weather alerts, monitor local radar updates, and identify a safe interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building. The tornado watch remains in effect across central North Carolina through 2 p.m. Monday, with additional alerts possible if storms intensify.
