![\"storm-in-north-carolina-11\"](\"http:\/\/us.weatheramerica.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/storm-in-north-carolina-1107-scaled.jpg\")
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Severe thunderstorms target Bertie, Chowan and Perquimans Thursday evening<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0Eastern North Carolina<\/strong> \u2014 The National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia<\/strong> issued a severe thunderstorm alert<\/strong> Thursday evening for Bertie<\/strong>, Chowan<\/strong>, and Perquimans counties<\/strong>, warning residents to expect strong winds<\/strong>, heavy rain<\/strong>, and frequent lightning<\/strong> through 8:15 PM<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The warning was issued at 7:34 PM<\/strong>, when Doppler radar<\/strong> detected a strong thunderstorm<\/strong> system moving east over Cape Colony<\/strong>, about 13 miles northeast of Plymouth<\/strong>, at a speed of 15 mph<\/strong>. The storm is capable of producing gusts up to 40 mph<\/strong>, which could bring down tree limbs<\/strong> and scatter loose outdoor objects<\/strong>, according to the NWS.<\/p>\n Several communities lie in the storm\u2019s path, including Burgess<\/strong>, Holiday Island<\/strong>, Saint Johns<\/strong>, Macedonia<\/strong>, Harvey Point<\/strong>, and Drummond Point<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The weather service also emphasized the threat of localized flooding<\/strong>, as intense rainfall<\/strong> continues to accompany the system. Cloud-to-ground lightning<\/strong> is occurring frequently, and forecasters caution that bolts can strike up to 10 miles away from the center of the storm<\/strong>. Residents are advised to seek shelter in a building or vehicle<\/strong> and avoid flooded roads.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The lightning threat: why summer storms are dangerous<\/strong><\/p>\n Lightning remains one of the deadliest weather hazards in the U.S., with about 25 million strikes each year<\/strong>, most of them occurring during the summer months<\/strong>. According to the National Weather Service, roughly 20 people die annually<\/strong> from lightning strikes in the U.S. The risk increases as storms approach<\/strong> and is highest when they are directly overhead<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Driving through rain: what to expect on the road<\/strong><\/p>\n Heavy rain can quickly create dangerous road conditions. Reduced visibility<\/strong>, standing water<\/strong>, and hydroplaning<\/strong> are among the top hazards drivers face during summer thunderstorms.<\/p>\n Hydroplaning<\/strong> occurs when a vehicle\u2019s tires lose contact with the pavement and slide on a thin layer of water. This usually happens when water builds up faster than the tires can push it away, causing a sudden loss of control. Speed, water depth, and worn-out tire treads are the key contributors to hydroplaning.<\/p>\n Drivers who find themselves hydroplaning should ease off the accelerator<\/strong> and steer into the skid<\/strong> without slamming on the brakes. Wait until the tires regain contact with the road before straightening the wheel. Vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS)<\/strong> should brake normally, while older models may require gentle, rhythmic braking<\/strong> to avoid skidding.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Storm targets key Eastern North Carolina communities<\/strong><\/p>\n This evening’s thunderstorm rolled through a stretch of coastal and inland communities<\/strong>, particularly along the Albemarle Sound<\/strong> and near the Chowan River<\/strong>. Areas such as Cape Colony<\/strong>, Yeopim Station<\/strong>, and Holiday Island<\/strong> are among those most directly affected. While the storm is expected to move eastward and gradually weaken, residents across Eastern North Carolina<\/strong> are urged to stay alert until the warning expires and conditions fully stabilize.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Severe thunderstorms target Bertie, Chowan and Perquimans Thursday evening \u00a0Eastern North Carolina \u2014 The National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia issued a severe thunderstorm alert Thursday evening for Bertie, Chowan, and Perquimans counties, warning residents to expect strong winds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning through 8:15 PM. The warning was issued at 7:34 PM, when […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":5799,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5798","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n