UPDATE: Weather alert for strong thunderstorms in Eastern North Carolina Sunday evening

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An updated report was issued from the NWS Wakefield VA on Sunday at 7:13 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 8 p.m. The alert is for Northampton, Hertford, Gates and Bertie counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

"At 7:13 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a cluster of strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Barley to near Halifax to near Roxobel. Movement was northeast at 35 mph," states the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down small trees and blow around unsecured objects. Wind impacting handling of high profile vehicles."

Expect strong thunderstorms in the following locations:

• Garysburg, Rich Square, Gaston, Woodland, Seaboard, Roxobel, and Barley around 7:20 p.m.
• Aulander and Dahlia around 7:25 p.m.
• Emporia and Conway around 7:30 p.m.
• Ahoskie and Claresville around 7:35 p.m.
• Murfreesboro, Chowan University, and Green Plain around 7:40 p.m.
• Boykins and Cofield around 7:45 p.m.
• Winton around 7:50 p.m.

Other impacted locations include Eagletown, Milwaukee, Tunis, Kelford, Grizzard, Earleys, Gum Forks, Menola, Chowan Beach and Henrico.

The NWS comments, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for south central and southeastern Virginia."

This alert is in effect until 8 p.m.

Actions to take when lightning threat is imminent

Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm moves away.

Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:

• To decrease the risk of getting struck by lightning, when you go outside, establish a plan to reach a safer place.
• If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
• Once inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back outside.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.
• Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If in a forest, stay close to lower trees.
• If you are in a group, disperse to prevent the current from passing between group members.
• When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.
• Keep a distance from water, wet articles, and metal objects. While water and metal do not draw lightning, they are proficient conductors of electricity.

Rainy weather driving tips

• Turn on your headlights - Even when it's light outside, using headlights can improve visibility and alert other drivers to your presence.
• While on the road - Opt for the middle lanes and remain on higher ground. Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.
• Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
• Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
• Steer clear of flooded areas - When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is primarily caused by three factors:

1. Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
2. Water depth - The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn't matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
3. Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

• Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
• Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
• Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
• Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots North Carolina

This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 7:15 PM.