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As a line of strong storms moves across the state today, many areas of North Carolina are experiencing dangerous weather conditions, including heavy rains, flooding and tornadoes. These storms will move east toward the coast this afternoon and evening.

In the R-C area, a strong line of thunderstorms was indicated on radar around 3 p.m. today just west of I-95. It was rapidly advancing east with wind gusts of 50 mph.

The winds picked up locally early this afternoon. There are reports of downed trees on power lines on Benthall Bridge Road near Murfreesboro, and on US 13 just north of Ahoskie in the area of Modlin Road.

“Everyone should remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions and have a way to receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Using a NOAA weather radio, or a smartphone app that provides emergency weather alerts for your location is a good way to stay informed.”

Several tornado warnings have been issued in the state today, and tornado touchdowns were reported in the Charlotte area but have not yet been confirmed by the NWS. These storms are moving east into the Triangle, Sandhills and eastern North Carolina this afternoon and evening, and people in those areas must stay alert. A Tornado Watch is in effect for much of North Carolina through Thursday evening.

It’s important to know the difference between a weather watch and a warning. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to occur in the watch area. A warning is an indication that dangerous conditions are currently happening in the warning area and people should take immediate actions as directed by the weather service and local emergency officials.

The State Highway Patrol is responding to an elevated number of collisions and calls for service related to the weather. Motorists are reminded to reduce speed on extremely wet roads and to avoid driving through flooded areas, where roads may we washed out.

As of 2:45 pm, about 84,000 homes and businesses were without power across the state.

Information on actual and predicted flooding can be obtained from the state’s network of more than 500 river and stream gauges by visiting the Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network website at fiman.nc.gov.

The ReadyNC.org website provides information on personal and family emergency preparedness as well as real time information on power outages, evacuation orders and shelters that are opening.