Potential for Severe Weather | Eastern North Carolina Now

News release:

    Good Day Everybody:

    It is another spring day in Beaufort County and once again we have unstable winds aloft moving into the County. We just got off the phone with the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters concerning this frontal system and its passage through the County. The primary threat time frame for damages winds (in the form of straight line wind gust or severe thunderstorms) is from 2:00pm this afternoon through 7:00pm this evening. Secondary threats include heavy rains and hail which will block visibility, while increasing the risk of hydroplaning on road ways as a result of the ponding of water. Trees falling across or near highways can slow traffic or block the roadway completely and please remember downed power lines pose a serious threat to your life (please avoid them and driving across them is not recommended).

    We believe a weather lesson to learn from last week's events in and around Belhaven could be this one: When a Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued by the NWS for our immediate area we should expect damaging winds and the possibility a tornado could develop should never be overlooked. Little notice may be available for such and event.

    Our fellow employees who are out on the road today should take all precautions necessary to protect themselves from severe weather. The most important precaution is to stay "Weather Aware" through the use of cell phones, car radios or hand held weather radios so as conditions change with the weather they become extra vigilant.

    Just as a reminder to all: High profile vehicles such as school buses, large recreation vehicles (being towed or motorized), tractor trailers and box trucks have trouble in high winds staying in their lane of traffic so use extra caution around them during high wind events.

    Have a great day and as normal we will be monitoring the weather situation.

    John Pack

    Coordinator, Beaufort County Emergency Services

     1420 Highland Drive
     Washington, NC 27889
     (252)946-2046 Office   •   (252) 975-6802 Fax   •   john.pack@co.beaufort.nc.us