The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Richmond County until 9 p.m. Friday.
Other counties included in the watch are: Alamance, Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Chatham, Cleveland, Cumberland, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Granville, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Iredell, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph, Robeson, Rowan, Scotland, Stanly, Union, Vance, Wake and Warren.
Recommended actions
— Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
— Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
— Dark, often greenish sky
— Large hail
— A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
— Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.






















