The Weather on the 1s team is closely monitoring a line of storms moving from west to east across North Carolina Wednesday.
The line of storms caused damage in the Indian Trail area of Union County Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has said it will survey the damage Wednesday afternoon to determine if it was caused by a tornado. A tornado warning had been issued for the area when the damage occurred.
The severe weather threat is expected to increase through the afternoon as the storms move east.
Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement, "Our State Emergency Response Team is in contact with its partners across the state and ready to respond with any tool at its disposal to keep North Carolinians safe through this severe weather.” He urged all North Carolinians to listen to local forecasts for updates, enable phone alerts and seek immediate shelter if a tornado warning is issued for your area.
A Tornado Watch issued by the National Weather Service continues through early evening for parts of eastern North Carolina.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form along with other types of severe weather, including damaging straight-line winds.
A few of the storms could also contain hail.
The latest forecast data shows the storms tracking through eastern North Carolina through the afternoon.
The storms should eventually move off the coast Wednesday evening.
This week has already been designated as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in the state as we enter the spring months that are often the most active time of the year for severe weather in North Carolina.
Some of the preparedness tips that are shared this week will be important for Wednesday, like having a way to receive weather alerts.
If a tornado warning or severe thunderstorm warning is issued for your location, you should seek shelter in a small, interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Basements, closets, hallways and windowless bathrooms often provide the best protection during severe weather.
Stay tuned to Weather on the 1s on Spectrum News 1 for updates through the week.
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