The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado watch covering 10 counties across southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. The alert, which warns of potentially severe weather conditions, is set to remain in effect until 5 p.m. EDT on Sunday. Residents in the impacted regions have been urged to monitor weather updates closely and follow safety protocols provided by local authorities.
In North Carolina, the watch includes Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender, and Robeson counties. The South Carolina counties under the advisory are Dillon, Horry, Marion, and Marlboro. Numerous towns and cities fall within these boundaries, including Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Lumberton, and Conway. Earlier on Sunday, the NWS Raleigh office issued a brief tornado warning for Chatham and Randolph counties, which expired at 10:45 a.m. after severe thunderstorm activity was reported near the North Carolina Zoo.
The NWS has issued a strict safety advisory for those in the path of these storms. Officials have directed individuals to seek immediate shelter, specifically in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, while avoiding windows. The service emphasized that people outdoors, in vehicles, or in mobile homes should move to the nearest substantial shelter to avoid injury from flying debris. Damage to roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees is considered likely in affected areas.
These weather alerts follow recent reports of tornado activity as remnants of a storm system moved across South Carolina. The NWS confirmed a tornado track stretching from Allendale County into Barnwell County, alongside another report in Fairfield County. While social media footage appeared to show a tornado in Allendale County, local reports confirmed that no injuries occurred, despite damage to property and downed power lines. Authorities continue to track the movement of the storms to ensure public safety.
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