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Sunday, July 7, 2025 \u2013 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..<\/strong><\/p>\n The affected areas include<\/strong>: Johnston<\/strong>, Wayne<\/strong>, Cumberland<\/strong>, and Sampson<\/strong> counties. According to the NWS bulletin<\/strong>, residents in these zones should prepare for wind gusts up to 50 mph<\/strong> (circa 80 km\/h<\/strong>), which could lead to fallen tree branches<\/strong> and displaced unsecured objects<\/strong>.<\/p>\n At 6:58 a.m.<\/strong>, Doppler radar<\/strong> detected a cluster of strong storms near Rose Hill<\/strong>, roughly 8 miles south of Warsaw<\/strong>, moving northwest at 45 mph<\/strong>. This storm cell shows weak rotation<\/strong>, prompting the NWS to monitor for intensification<\/strong>, which could escalate into a tornado warning<\/strong> if conditions worsen.<\/p>\n Communities at risk include<\/strong>: Every year, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times<\/strong>, especially during the summer season<\/strong>. With storms sweeping through North Carolina<\/strong>, the threat of lightning strikes<\/strong> peaks when the storm system is directly overhead<\/strong>, and only fades once it has moved on.<\/p>\n For drivers across eastern North Carolina<\/strong>, heavy rain<\/strong> combined with gusty winds<\/strong> can create hazardous conditions<\/strong>. Roads may flood quickly<\/strong>, particularly in low-lying areas<\/strong>, and visibility<\/strong> can drop due to sheets of rain and spray<\/strong> from passing vehicles.<\/p>\n Driving tips include using headlights<\/strong> even during daylight hours, avoiding road edges<\/strong> where water tends to collect, and steering clear of standing water<\/strong>. Larger vehicles like buses and trucks<\/strong> can cause a visibility-reducing spray<\/strong>, so keeping distance is essential. If a flooded road<\/strong> is encountered, do not attempt to cross<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Hydroplaning<\/strong> occurs when a thin layer of water<\/strong> lifts a vehicle\u2019s tires off the surface of the road, causing it to lose traction<\/strong> and slide uncontrollably<\/strong>. This becomes more likely at higher speeds<\/strong>, with shallow tire tread<\/strong>, and when rainwater accumulates quickly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n To respond to hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator<\/strong>, steer in the direction of the skid<\/strong>, and wait for the tires to regain contact with the pavement<\/strong>. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes<\/strong>, brake normally. Otherwise, use a gentle pumping motion<\/strong> to reduce speed without locking the wheels.<\/p>\n With storms moving through<\/strong> central and eastern North Carolina<\/strong> this Sunday morning<\/strong>, the alert remains active until 8:00 a.m.<\/strong>, and updates are likely if the storm system intensifies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The NWS<\/strong> will continue to monitor radar for any strengthening rotation<\/strong> that could trigger a tornado warning<\/strong>. Residents in the affected counties are advised to remain aware of changing conditions<\/strong>, especially those living in Goldsboro<\/strong>, Clinton<\/strong>, Mount Olive<\/strong>, and surrounding communities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sunday, July 7, 2025 \u2013 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":5565,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5564","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nGoldsboro<\/strong>, Clinton<\/strong>, Mount Olive<\/strong>, Princeton<\/strong>, Roseboro<\/strong>, Stedman<\/strong>, Newton Grove<\/strong>, Salemburg<\/strong>, Turkey<\/strong>, and Falcon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
Lightning threat increases across central North Carolina<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Driving through rain: what to expect on North Carolina roads<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Understanding hydroplaning on wet highways<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Storm safety measures in place for impacted counties<\/strong><\/h2>\n