NORTH CAROLINA — A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for southeastern Wake County and Johnston County in central North Carolina until 10:30 p.m. EDT, as a severe thunderstorm was located near Zebulon, roughly 16 miles east of Raleigh, at 9:46 p.m. and moving south at 30 mph. Radar indicates the storm is capable of producing wind gusts up to 60 mph along with penny size hail, with forecasters warning of expected damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Communities including Smithfield, Garner, Clayton, Zebulon, Knightdale, Micro, Selma, Wendell, and Four Oaks are all included in the warned area.
Severe Storm Located Near Zebulon Moving South
As of 9:46 p.m. EDT, radar indicated a severe thunderstorm positioned near Zebulon, approximately 16 miles east of Raleigh, tracking south at a steady 30 mph. This storm’s movement places it on a direct path toward additional communities in Johnston County as the warning period continues through 10:30 p.m.
Radar imagery shows an intense core of the storm displaying the characteristic red and orange coloration associated with heavy precipitation and potentially damaging hail, concentrated over and around the Zebulon and Middlesex areas at the time of the warning’s issuance. The storm’s southward track suggests communities including Wilson’s Mills and areas near Smithfield could see impacts as the cell continues moving.
Sixty MPH Winds and Penny Size Hail Are Primary Hazards
The National Weather Service has identified 60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail as the primary hazards associated with this severe thunderstorm. Winds of this strength are capable of causing measurable damage, particularly to roofing materials, siding on homes and buildings, and trees throughout the warned area.
Penny size hail, while not among the largest hail sizes typically observed, can still cause damage to vehicles, gardens, and other exposed property, and its presence indicates a storm with sufficient updraft strength to support hail formation before it falls to the ground. The combination of this hail with damaging wind gusts creates a scenario where multiple types of property damage are possible simultaneously…