Multiple Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Active for Central NC Counties
Three severe thunderstorm warnings remain active across Nash and Edgecombe counties, bringing 60 mph winds and hail to central North Carolina communities.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — The National Weather Service in Raleigh issued multiple severe thunderstorm warnings Tuesday evening for central North Carolina counties, with dangerous storms producing 60 mph wind gusts and hail threatening communities through 6:30 p.m.
Three separate warnings remain active across Nash and Edgecombe counties as of 5:39 p.m., affecting thousands of residents in the path of slow-moving but powerful storms.
Current Storm Threats
The most recent warning, issued at 5:39 p.m. for central Nash County and northwestern Edgecombe County, remains in effect until 6:30 p.m. The storm was located near Dortches, close to Nashville, moving east at 10 mph.
Weather officials report the storm is producing 60 mph wind gusts and nickel-size hail. Communities at risk include Rocky Mount, Nashville, Dortches, Red Oak, Battleboro, Aventon, and Tar River Reservoir.
Interstate 95 between Mile Markers 150 and 132 falls within the warning area, potentially affecting highway travel during the evening commute.
Additional Storm Activity
A second severe thunderstorm warning covers Edgecombe County until 6:15 p.m. This storm was positioned 7 miles southeast of Rocky Mount at 5:25 p.m., crawling east at just 5 mph.
The slow-moving nature of the storm increases the risk of prolonged impacts in affected areas. Locations under threat include Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Princeville, Pinetops, Conetoe, Speed, Leggett, and Kingsboro.
An earlier warning for central Nash County expired at 5:45 p.m. after tracking a storm that produced quarter-size hail and 60 mph winds near Nashville.
Expected Impacts
According to the National Weather Service, residents should expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees from the powerful wind gusts. The combination of strong winds and hail poses particular risks to vehicles and outdoor structures.
Weather officials indicated the storms are radar-confirmed and represent immediate threats to life and property in the warned areas.
The storms’ slow movement means communities may experience extended periods of severe weather conditions, increasing the potential for accumulating damage from sustained winds and repeated hail impacts.
Residents in the affected counties should monitor weather conditions closely and take appropriate shelter when storms approach their locations.
