Newport, NC – Millions of North Carolina residents are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch Sunday afternoon as forecasters warn that strong to severe storms could develop across much of the eastern half of the state through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, the watch is in effect until 8 p.m. EDT Sunday, July 19, 2026, for a large portion of eastern North Carolina. Residents are urged to remain weather aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings should storms intensify.
Forecasters say the primary threats include scattered wind gusts up to 65 mph, isolated hail up to one-half inch in diameter, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. While a watch does not mean severe weather is occurring, it indicates that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop.
The watch area includes communities across eastern and central North Carolina, including Raleigh, Greenville, Fayetteville, New Bern, Jacksonville, and surrounding areas.
The National Weather Service estimates the watch affects approximately 9.7 million people, along with more than 2,500 schools and 149 hospitals within the outlined area.
Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items, monitor changing weather conditions throughout the afternoon and evening, and move indoors immediately if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued or thunder is heard.
The latest forecasts, watches, and warnings are available through the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies.
