WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Wayne County until midnight as powerful storms move southeast across the region.
At 11:08 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Goldsboro to about seven miles northeast of Clinton, moving southeast at 15 mph.
The storms are capable of producing wind gusts of up to 60 mph and penny-size hail. The National Weather Service warns that damaging winds could cause damage to roofs, siding and trees.
Locations potentially impacted include Goldsboro, Mount Olive, Walnut Creek, Seven Springs, Mar-Mac, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park and Elroy. Clinton, Newton Grove and Turkey are also in the path of the storms.
The warning also includes Interstate 40 between mile markers 337 and 359.
Residents are urged to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building for protection.
Torrential rainfall is also creating a dangerous flash flooding threat across parts of the region. Emergency management officials reported numerous roads in downtown Smithfield covered by three to four feet of water, with floodwater entering residences.
Between three and five inches of rain have already fallen in some areas, and an additional one to two inches is possible. Officials described the ongoing flash flooding as life-threatening.
Areas that could experience flash flooding include Goldsboro, Smithfield, Dunn, Benson, Four Oaks and several other communities across central and eastern North Carolina.
Drivers should never attempt to travel through flooded roads. The National Weather Service reminds motorists: Turn around, don’t drown. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Residents should remain weather aware and be prepared to take immediate action as storms continue moving through the area.
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