Climate & Environment

Tornado Watch Covers 10 Counties in Southeast North Carolina and Northeast South Carolina Until 5 p.m. Sunday

By LM US Desk

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch that covers 10 counties in southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina, with the alert remaining in effect until 5 p.m. EDT on Sunday. In North Carolina, the counties included are Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender and Robeson. In South Carolina, the watch covers Dillon, Horry, Marion and Marlboro. Cities and towns within the affected areas include Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Lumberton, Conway, Leland, Southport, Whiteville, Elizabethtown, Bennettsville, Dillon, Marion, Mullins and Surf City, as well as Bladenboro, Boiling Spring Lakes, Burgaw, Chadbourn, Garden City, Lake Waccamaw, Little River, Long Beach, McColl, Oak Island, Red Hill, Socastee, Sunset Beach and Tabor City.

Separately, the Raleigh office of the NWS issued a tornado warning for Chatham and Randolph counties at 10:22 a.m. EDT on Sunday. The warning expired at 10:45 a.m. At the time, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was reported near the North Carolina Zoo, moving northeastward at 30 mph. The warning warned of potentially dangerous conditions, stating: “Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.” The warning covered Asheboro, the North Carolina Zoo, Liberty, Ramseur, Franklinville, Staley and Coleridge, and sections of Interstate 73 between mile markers 65 and 68 and between mile markers 70 and 72. The NWS urged people in the affected areas to seek shelter immediately and avoid exposure to flying debris, advising: “Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.”

The latest alerts follow reports of tornado activity in South Carolina as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias moved across the state on Saturday and early Sunday. The NWS tracked a confirmed tornado from Allendale County into Barnwell County and reported another tornado in Fairfield County. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a tornado moving through Allendale County. No injuries were reported, although power lines were hit and some damage was recorded.