Tornado watch issued for southeastern North Carolina

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued a tornado warning Sunday for southwestern Bladen County, northwestern Columbus County and southeastern Robeson County.

The warning is in effect until 12:15 p.m.

At 11:08 a.m., radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Mullins, moving east at 30 mph.

The weather service said flying debris could endanger people caught without shelter. Mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed, and damage to roofs, windows and vehicles is possible. Tree damage is likely.

Locations in the path include Fair Bluff, Lake View, Cherry Grove, Kemper, Nichols and Cerro Gordo.

The weather service advised people to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building, away from windows. Those outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle should move to the closest substantial shelter and protect themselves from flying debris.

The weather service asked anyone who sees hail or wind damage to call its Wilmington office at 1-800-697-3901.

An additional hurricane watch covers 33 North Carolina counties.