News Summary
Coastal North Carolina is under severe weather alert as strong thunderstorms are predicted, with possible wind gusts of 50 mph affecting multiple areas. Residents are advised to seek shelter due to potential hazards such as tree limbs downed and frequent lightning strikes. The National Weather Service has also issued warnings for further severe storms, including tornado warnings and flood alerts, highlighting the need for vigilance in light of the dangers posed by these conditions.
Coastal North Carolina is facing severe weather as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an alert for strong thunderstorms effective until 6:45 a.m. on Sunday. Residents in regions including Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde, Northern Outer Banks, Hatteras Island, and Tyrrell County are urged to prepare for potential wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph.
As of 6 a.m., Doppler radar indicated that thunderstorms were active, stretching from 6 miles south of Woodley to near Nebraska, with a movement toward the east at 40 mph. Due to forecasted gusty winds, there is a concern that tree limbs could be downed, and unsecured objects may be blown around, creating hazardous conditions.
Affected localities include Kill Devil Hills, Stumpy Point, Southern Shores, Salvo, Manns Harbor, Waves, Nags Head, Alligator, Gum Neck, Rodanthe, Mashoes, Manteo, Columbia, East Lake, Colington, Whalebone, Newfoundland, Fort Landing, Frying Pan Landing, and Buffalo City. Residents in these areas have been advised to seek shelter indoors to protect themselves from frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, which poses a significant threat and can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm.
On average, the United States experiences approximately 25 million lightning strikes annually, with summer months seeing the highest frequency. Lightning incidents result in around 20 fatalities each year. The NWS recommends finding shelter and avoiding driving during these severe weather conditions, as the risk of hydroplaning increases with wet roads. Hydroplaning occurs when pools of water build up in front of tires, causing vehicles to slide uncontrollably.
In addition to the current weather alerts, the NWS has issued a new Weather Impact Alert for Monday, April 6. This alert forecasts further severe storms, including a freeze watch for multiple counties in both Virginia and North Carolina. Severe thunderstorm warnings are currently in effect for Hampton Roads and numerous counties in northeast North Carolina until 4 p.m. today.
The current storm system affected the central U.S. over the weekend and is now moving through Hampton Roads, resulting in flood watches and warnings for strong storms. Reports of significant flooding have already emerged from Dare County, where several streets have been impacted. As of 10:30 a.m., approximately 430 customers in Newport News and around 200 in Portsmouth were left without power due to storm-related damage.
Additionally, a tornado warning is currently in effect for parts of northeastern North Carolina. Severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes were located near Elizabeth City, progressing northeast at a speed of 50 mph. Flash flood warnings are also in place for multiple counties, emphasizing the importance of caution for drivers encountering flooded roads.
Residents are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and stay updated on further severe weather updates and warnings from the National Weather Service. Preparing for adverse conditions and adhering to safety recommendations can help mitigate risks during this tumultuous weather event.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: Severe Weather Alert
- 13 News Now: Coastal Virginia Weather Updates
- 13 News Now: Severe Storms Today in Virginia
- Charlotte Observer: Weather News
- Country Herald: Thunderstorm Alert for North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Google Search: Thunderstorms North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Weather Alerts North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Google News: North Carolina Weather
