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Strong thunderstorms over Eastern North Carolina Sunday night<\/strong><\/p>\n An urgent weather alert<\/strong> was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield, Virginia<\/strong>, on Sunday, June 15<\/strong>, at 8:13 p.m.<\/strong>, forecasting strong thunderstorms<\/strong> across Eastern North Carolina<\/strong> through 9 p.m.<\/strong> The affected areas include Northampton, Hertford, Gates, and Bertie counties<\/strong>.<\/p>\n According to the NWS, wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph (64 km\/h)<\/strong>. These fast-moving storms were observed moving northeast at 25 mph (40 km\/h)<\/strong>, with the radar tracking a line of thunderstorms extending from Boykins<\/strong> to just south of Lewiston Woodville<\/strong>, passing near Ahoskie<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hazards expected<\/strong><\/p>\n Residents in the alert zones should expect frequent lightning strikes<\/strong>, reduced visibility<\/strong>, minor flooding<\/strong>, and the possibility of tree limbs falling<\/strong> due to gusty winds<\/strong>. The NWS warns that unsecured outdoor items may be blown around<\/strong>, and driving conditions<\/strong> may become hazardous.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Towns impacted and expected timing<\/strong><\/p>\n Thunderstorm activity was projected in the following locations at these approximate times:<\/p>\n 8:20 p.m.<\/strong>: Ahoskie, Murfreesboro, Aulander, Newsoms, Como<\/strong> Other areas that may experience storm activity include Goose Pond<\/strong>, Whites Crossroads<\/strong>, Tunis<\/strong>, Earleys<\/strong>, Menola<\/strong>, Newsome Store<\/strong>, Chowan Beach<\/strong>, Topsy<\/strong>, Republican<\/strong>, and Burden<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The NWS strongly advises seeking shelter indoors<\/strong>, especially for individuals currently outdoors or in open areas.<\/p>\n Understanding lightning hazards and how to stay safe<\/strong><\/p>\n In the United States<\/strong>, approximately 25 million lightning strikes<\/strong> are recorded annually, with the majority occurring during the summer months<\/strong>. Lightning poses serious danger and causes around 20 deaths<\/strong> each year.<\/p>\n The threat increases as the storm nears, peaking when directly overhead<\/strong>, then decreasing once it passes. However, lightning can still strike before or after<\/strong> the main storm cell has moved.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Essential safety precautions during thunderstorms<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re outdoors<\/strong>, it is crucial to have a plan to reach a sheltered area quickly<\/strong>. Once indoors:<\/p>\n Avoid contact<\/strong> with:<\/p>\n Wait at least 30 minutes<\/strong> after the last thunderclap before going back outside.<\/p>\n If sheltering indoors isn’t possible:<\/p>\n Stay away from hilltops, open fields, and ridgelines<\/strong>. Isolated tall trees<\/strong> are especially dangerous. In wooded areas, position yourself among lower tree growth<\/strong>. When in groups, maintain space between individuals<\/strong> to reduce risk of electrical current transfer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Avoid metal and water<\/strong>, as both are excellent conductors<\/strong> even though they don\u2019t attract lightning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n During camping<\/strong>, choose a low-lying location<\/strong> like a valley or ravine<\/strong>. Remember, tents offer no lightning protection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Driving during storms: hazards and tips<\/strong><\/p>\n When on the road during heavy rain<\/strong>, visibility drops<\/strong>, and the risk of hydroplaning<\/strong> increases. Here’s how to manage it:<\/p>\n Turn on headlights<\/strong>, even during daylight, to enhance visibility<\/strong> and signal your presence<\/strong> to other drivers.<\/p>\n Prefer center lanes<\/strong> on the highway and elevated roads<\/strong>, since water accumulates near edges<\/strong>. Avoid puddles, which can cause hydroplaning<\/strong> and sudden loss of control<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Stay clear of large vehicles<\/strong> such as trucks and buses, which create spray<\/strong> that can impair your vision.<\/p>\n Never drive into flooded areas<\/strong>. Flash floods<\/strong> can pull vehicles off the road. Deep water can cause engine damage<\/strong> or electric system failure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is hydroplaning and how to react<\/strong><\/p>\n Hydroplaning<\/strong> occurs when tires lose traction<\/strong> and slide on a thin film of water<\/strong> instead of gripping the road.<\/p>\n Key factors:<\/p>\n If you begin to hydroplane:<\/p>\n Ease off the gas<\/strong>, don\u2019t brake hard. Strong thunderstorms over Eastern North Carolina Sunday night An urgent weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield, Virginia, on Sunday, June 15, at 8:13 p.m., forecasting strong thunderstorms across Eastern North Carolina through 9 p.m. The affected areas include Northampton, Hertford, Gates, and Bertie counties. According to the NWS, wind […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4313,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4312","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n
\n8:25 p.m.<\/strong>: Winton, Cofield<\/strong>
\n8:30 p.m.<\/strong>: Courtland, Powellsville<\/strong>
\n8:35 p.m.<\/strong>: Suffolk<\/strong>
\n8:40 p.m.<\/strong>: Franklin, Hunterdale<\/strong>
\n8:45 p.m.<\/strong>: Roduco<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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\nSteer into the skid<\/strong> to realign the tires.
\nWait until you feel the vehicle regain contact<\/strong> with the road.
\nIf needed, brake lightly<\/strong> \u2014 use normal braking if you have ABS<\/strong>, or pump gently<\/strong> in older models.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"