Sunday, July 7, 2025 – A new weather alert has been issued by the National Weather Service in Raleigh, North Carolina, shortly before 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Strong thunderstorms are moving across central-eastern North Carolina, with peak intensity expected through 8:00 a.m..
The affected areas include: Johnston, Wayne, Cumberland, and Sampson counties. According to the NWS bulletin, residents in these zones should prepare for wind gusts up to 50 mph (circa 80 km/h), which could lead to fallen tree branches and displaced unsecured objects.
At 6:58 a.m., Doppler radar detected a cluster of strong storms near Rose Hill, roughly 8 miles south of Warsaw, moving northwest at 45 mph. This storm cell shows weak rotation, prompting the NWS to monitor for intensification, which could escalate into a tornado warning if conditions worsen.
Communities at risk include:
Goldsboro, Clinton, Mount Olive, Princeton, Roseboro, Stedman, Newton Grove, Salemburg, Turkey, and Falcon.
Lightning threat increases across central North Carolina
Every year, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times, especially during the summer season. With storms sweeping through North Carolina, the threat of lightning strikes peaks when the storm system is directly overhead, and only fades once it has moved on.
Driving through rain: what to expect on North Carolina roads
For drivers across eastern North Carolina, heavy rain combined with gusty winds can create hazardous conditions. Roads may flood quickly, particularly in low-lying areas, and visibility can drop due to sheets of rain and spray from passing vehicles.
Driving tips include using headlights even during daylight hours, avoiding road edges where water tends to collect, and steering clear of standing water. Larger vehicles like buses and trucks can cause a visibility-reducing spray, so keeping distance is essential. If a flooded road is encountered, do not attempt to cross.
Understanding hydroplaning on wet highways
Hydroplaning occurs when a thin layer of water lifts a vehicle’s tires off the surface of the road, causing it to lose traction and slide uncontrollably. This becomes more likely at higher speeds, with shallow tire tread, and when rainwater accumulates quickly.
To respond to hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator, steer in the direction of the skid, and wait for the tires to regain contact with the pavement. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, brake normally. Otherwise, use a gentle pumping motion to reduce speed without locking the wheels.
Storm safety measures in place for impacted counties
With storms moving through central and eastern North Carolina this Sunday morning, the alert remains active until 8:00 a.m., and updates are likely if the storm system intensifies.
The NWS will continue to monitor radar for any strengthening rotation that could trigger a tornado warning. Residents in the affected counties are advised to remain aware of changing conditions, especially those living in Goldsboro, Clinton, Mount Olive, and surrounding communities.
