Elizabeth City, N.C. – Residents across northeast North Carolina should brace for damaging winds and dangerous lightning as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, storms capable of producing wind gusts over 60 mph and frequent lightning are moving through Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Hertford, Northampton, Pasquotank, and Perquimans counties. The alert also includes Elizabeth City, Windsor, Edenton, Ahoskie, and surrounding areas, as well as adjacent coastal waters including the Currituck Sound.
The strongest storms may bring down trees and power lines, creating localized outages and travel delays on U.S. Routes 17 and 158. Boaters in the Currituck Sound and offshore waters should seek safe harbor immediately as conditions may deteriorate quickly.
Residents are advised to remain indoors, secure loose outdoor items, and charge phones and flashlights in case of outages. Emergency services urge caution and warn against driving through flooded roads after dark.
Storm activity is expected to taper off after 11 p.m., but further watches or warnings may be issued if conditions persist. Stay tuned to local alerts and NOAA Weather Radio for real-time updates.
