ROCKINGHAM — Nearly half of North Carolina, including Richmond County, is under a tornado watch until 11 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service: “A line of strong to severe thunderstorms capable of damaging wind gusts to 60 mph and isolated tornadoes are possible late this afternoon into the evening.”
Forecasters say the threat of tornadoes is greatest for the triad from 5- 8 p.m.; 7-10 p.m. for the Triangle; and 9-midnight in the eastern counties.
The watch, issued around 3:40 p.m. stretches from Cleveland and Burke counties in the west to Nash County in the east. Much of South Carolina between Greenwood and Bennettsville and from the Carolinas state line to south of Columbia is also included in the watch.
A watch means that there is the potential for severe weather, whereas a warning indicates a more immediate threat.
