As storms continue to move across the state, Governor Pat McCrory is cautioning residents to remain alert during the overnight hours when storms can be most deadly. He urged North Carolinians to keep their mobile phones charged and weather radios on and close by so they could continue to receive tornado or severe storm warnings through the night.
“We’ve been fortunate so far with no reports of serious injuries or widespread damages, but we’re not out of the woods yet,” said Governor McCrory. “We’ve seen before how deadly overnight storms can be. Please continue to stay tuned to the weather and heed directions from your local officials.”
Severe thunderstorms will continue to move eastward through this evening before diminishing in intensity tonight. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for much of eastern North Carolina until 11 p.m. Gusty winds will persist tonight and Thursday as skies clear behind the cold front.
As nighttime falls across the state, North Carolina Emergency Management officials recommend that you update your ReadyNC mobile app and review with family members the safest place for refuge in your home.
During tornado warnings, North Carolina Emergency Management officials remind you to go to a basement, under the stairs or to an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from windows and put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. People in modular homes should seek shelter in a sturdy building.
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.
As of 7 p.m., there were fewer than 120,000 power outages with most outages reported in Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Mecklenburg and Wake counties.
More information on tornadoes and overall emergency preparedness can be found in the ReadyNC mobile app and online at www.ReadyNC.org. Be sure to update your ReadyNC app to ensure it has all the latest features.
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