North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is asking everyone to watch their local forecast and pay attention to emergency officials.
“North Carolina is at greater risk of severe weather today,” Gov. Cooper warned. “Make sure you stay tuned to local warnings and have a plan in place to help your family stay safe if severe weather hits.”
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch until 7 p.m. this evening for much of the WFMY News 2 area. A tornado watch means that residents need to remain alert and stay tuned since tornadoes are possible.
North Carolina Emergency Management officials have been monitoring conditions across the state, checking in with local emergency management and reaching out to other first responders to determine what assistance may be needed.
North Carolina Emergency Management is recommending people to:
- Know the terms: WATCH means a tornado is possible. WARNING means TAKE ACTION: a tornado has been spotted; take shelter immediately.
- Know where the nearest safe room is in your home or work.
- Home – go to the basement under the stairs or to an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
- Schools, hospitals, offices – go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor. Avoid long corridors with windows and large open areas with free span roofs like gyms.
- High rise buildings – go to an interior hallway, bathroom or closet and stay away from windows.
- Modular homes and vehicles – leave immediately and go to a sturdy building.
- If you are outdoors, and there is no shelter available, take cover in a low-lying flat area. Watch out for flying debris.
- If driving, you should leave your vehicle immediately to seek safety in an adequate structure. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, and do not stop under an overpass or a bridge.
With the threat for severe weather persisting overnight Sunday, it is important to have several ways to receive weather warnings. More information on severe storms, tornadoes and overall emergency preparedness can be found in the ReadyNC mobile app and online at www.ReadyNC.org. For the latest updates as severe weather unfolds, please refer to the National Weather Service, your local weather forecasters and your NOAA Weather Radio.
