FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAY: Thunderstorms affecting areas mainly east of highway 17

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Storm damage is reported near Wenona in southern Washington County from a possible tornado. Emergency Management reports several trees blown down, a pick up truck overturned, crops damaged, and a road closed because of tree damage.

Thunderstorms and downpours will continue for mainly coastal counties into the evening hours today. While severe weather (damaging winds and hail) will be possible, the main reason for today’s First Alert Weather Day designation is downpours, lightning and heavy rain. The heaviest rain will fall during the Friday late afternoon commute, creating low visibility as well as isolated flooding over roads with poor drainage.

Northern inland areas have the lowest chance of significant rain while areas along and east of highway 17 have the highest chances. Rainfall totals could reach over 1.5″ through parts of Carteret, Craven, Jones, Pamlico, Onslow, Washington, Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Dare counties. Surrounding areas will likely see less than an inch. The flooding threat will diminish after 11 p.m. as rain tapers off.

Damaging wind gusts will be possible around some of the stronger downpours. Most will see gusts between 30 to 45 mph, but a few gusts could reach as high as 60 mph. This wind threat will diminish during the late evening.

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