Storm Line Triggers Tornado Warnings Across Carolinas

A line of severe storms brought tornado warnings to Horry, Marion, Dillon and other Carolinas counties, affecting South Carolina and North Carolina areas as officials monitored fast-moving weather threats and urged residents to seek shelter when warnings were active, according to local reports.

WPDE reported the tornado threat moved into eastern North Carolina after conditions improved across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions. The remaining monitored area included eastern Horry County, including Loris, Longs and Little River.

WMBF reported a tornado warning covering Horry, Marion, Dillon and Robeson counties expired around 12:10 p.m. Horry County spokesperson Thomas Bell said no damage reports had been received at that time.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for Durham, Wake and surrounding counties, according to Duke University. The watch remained in effect until 5 p.m. and covered conditions capable of producing heavy rain, large hail, damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes.

Duke University reported that the tornado warning for its main campus in Durham expired, while areas east of campus remained under possible tornado threats as the storm line moved across central North Carolina.

WXII 12 reported that tornado warnings indicate a tornado has been observed or detected by radar, while a tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development. The station advised residents to use interior rooms or lower levels of sturdy buildings during warnings.

Weather officials advised people in mobile homes to move to stronger shelters and warned drivers not to use highway overpasses as tornado shelters. The National Weather Service guidance also recommended protecting against flying debris with items such as blankets, pillows or helmets.