News Summary
Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for Southeastern North Carolina, including areas like Georgetown, Conway, and Marion. The National Weather Service reported strong storms are expected to cause high winds of up to 50 mph, localized flooding, and dangerous lightning. Residents in affected counties should seek shelter and stay tuned to weather updates. Safety precautions are necessary as the storm approaches.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Southeastern North Carolina!
Wilmington, NC – It’s that time of year again, folks! Storm clouds are brewing, and the National Weather Service just dropped a severe thunderstorm warning for our neck of the woods. Buckle up, because it’s going to get a little wild out there!
At precisely 3:41 p.m. on Saturday, the skies darkened as the weather alert was issued, with thunderstorms expected to roar through until around 4:45 p.m.. This means that residents living in Inland Georgetown, Conway, Marion, and Williamsburg counties need to pay close attention. If you’re outside, it’s time to find some shelter!
What to Expect?
Doppler radar is already showing some activity, tracking a strong thunderstorm over Rhems, which is just 19 miles northwest of Georgetown. This storm is moving northeast at a brisk pace of 35 mph. How are those winds looking? Well, get ready for gusts of up to 50 mph! That means tree limbs could come crashing down, and any loose items lying around could be sent flying.
Several areas will feel the impact, including Hemingway, Dongola, Outland, Yauhannah, Nesmith, and Henry. If you live in these parts, it’s best to get indoors and wait it out!
Stay Safe, Stay Informed!
As if strong winds weren’t enough, the rain might be coming down in sheets, possibly causing localized flooding. The NWS is reminding everyone to steer clear of flooded roads because hydroplaning can lead to dangerous situations. That’s when your car starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads—definitely not something you want to experience!
Speaking of danger, let’s not forget about lightning. The storm is bringing a lot of cloud-to-ground lightning, which is one of nature’s top threats. In fact, with about 25 million lightning strikes occurring in the U.S. every year, it results in around 20 fatalities. As the storm draws closer, the risk of lightning spikes, peaking when it’s right above you, and then slowly declining as it moves away. So if you hear thunder, it’s time to move indoors.
What About Other Counties?
This severe weather isn’t limited to just Georgetown; counties such as Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender, and Robeson are also in the mix. In fact, an earlier update at 1:46 p.m. on Saturday warned of strong thunderstorms rolling through Pender and New Hanover counties until 2:45 p.m.. Winds aren’t taking it easy here either, with gusts again hitting the 50 mph mark!
At 1:20 p.m., Bladen and Pender counties were issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 2:15 p.m., complete with quarter-sized hail and wind gusts packing up to 60 mph! Sounds like we’re in for quite a show!
Final Advice
As the storm swirls closer, please take precautions. Moving to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home is advisable to keep safe during this severe weather. The weather alert system is active and will continue until 5 p.m. today, so stay tuned and stay prepared!
So, Wilmington and surrounding areas, keep your eyes to the skies and be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws our way. Grab your cozy blankets, sit tight, and let’s hope for the best!
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Additional Resources
- News Observer
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Star News Online
- Google Search: Severe Weather North Carolina
- Weather.com
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Warnings North Carolina
- Charlotte Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorms
- Island Packet
- Google News: Weather Alerts North Carolina
