Weather Alert: Second Derecho Possible Today! | Eastern North Carolina Now

   Publisher's note: We, at BCN, just received a press release on inclement weather moving quickly in our direction that is reminiscent of the derecho that hit Beaufort County, and eastern North Carolina, on July 1, 2012.

   That was such a powerful and damaging storm that we feel that it is wise to at least be informed, and therefore prepared for this possible next one, today, July 24, 2012.

   Consequently, there is a strong possibility that eastern North Carolina could experience a second, and very rare, derecho storm this season, which could spawn tornadoes, gustnadoes, and, or straight-line winds.

   Press Release:

   I just received an alert from the NWS as to a significant severe storm possibility from 4:00pm through midnight tonight. The storms could produce tornado's, hail greater than one inch, dangerous cloud to ground lightning, strong wind down burst between 60mph and 90mph and blinding wind driven rain. Please caution your staffs and fellow employees to be very aware of changing weather and keep their radios tuned to local stations if they must be out. County agencies, this would be a good time to check your tornado plans for staff and insure your weather radios are functioning.
This blown and battered airplane was just a small part of the tremendous damage at Washington's Warren Field after that derecho, of July 1, 2012, slammed Beaufort County: Above.     photo by Stan Deatherage
    I have also received similar warnings from two power companies that service the Beaufort County Area. All First Responders must be cautioned about emergency response in some of these conditions, because it is better to slow down and arrive at the scene than to become part of the problem. Immediately following the storms passing we must be alert for downed trees, power lines and additional storms moving back into the area behind the first wave of storm action.

   This is a precautionary advisory to each of you and hopefully the storms will not be as severe as the forecasters have predicted.

John Pack

    Coordinator
    Beaufort County Emergency Services