Landspout-Capable Storm Threatens Southeastern North Carolina
Radar detects dangerous thunderstorm with landspout potential moving through Robeson County communities at 20 mph.
LUMBERTON, NORTH CAROLINA — A powerful thunderstorm capable of producing a landspout moved through southeastern North Carolina Sunday afternoon, prompting weather officials to issue warnings for multiple communities along Interstate 95.
The National Weather Service office in Wilmington issued a special weather statement at 1:35 p.m. EDT after Doppler radar detected the storm system near South of the Border, located eight miles northeast of Dillon, South Carolina. The storm was tracking northeast at 20 mph.
Storm Hazards and Potential Damage
Weather officials warned residents to prepare for landspouts and wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. The radar-indicated storm posed risks of minor damage to outdoor objects, with gusty winds capable of knocking down tree limbs and blowing around unsecured items.
Landspouts, similar to tornadoes but typically weaker, can form quickly from the ground up during severe thunderstorms and pose dangers to people caught in the open.
Communities in Storm’s Path
The weather service identified multiple locations in the storm’s projected path, including Lumberton, Pembroke, Rowland, Buie, Purvis, Hestertown, Elrod, McDonald, Raynham, and Southeastern Regional Medical Center.
The storm system threatened a significant stretch of Interstate 95 in North Carolina, specifically between mile markers 1 and 20, potentially creating hazardous driving conditions for motorists traveling through the region.
Regional Weather Monitoring
The National Weather Service continues tracking storm systems across southeastern North Carolina as part of ongoing severe weather monitoring efforts. Officials advise residents in affected areas to secure outdoor furniture and equipment, avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm activity, and stay indoors when possible.
The weather service typically issues special statements when conditions warrant public attention but do not meet criteria for more severe warnings such as tornado or severe thunderstorm warnings.
