Tornado watch issued for ten counties across North and South Carolina

The National Weather Service announced a tornado watch that spans ten counties—six in southeastern North Carolina and four in northeastern South Carolina—remaining active until 5 p.m. EDT on Sunday. Affected North Carolina counties include Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender and Robeson, while Dillon, Horry, Marion and Marlboro are covered in South Carolina. Major towns such as Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Lumberton, Conway, Leland and several smaller communities lie within the watch zone.

Earlier on Sunday, a separate tornado warning was issued for Chatham and Randolph counties after a severe thunderstorm was reported near the North Carolina Zoo; the warning lasted 23 minutes. Officials warned that flying debris could endanger anyone without shelter, that mobile homes might be destroyed, and that roofs, windows, vehicles and trees could be damaged. Residents were instructed to move to basements or interior rooms on the lowest floor of sturdy buildings and avoid windows.