Law enforcement is responding to reports of homes damaged in Richmond County, and a possible tornado touchdown in the area.

Warnings of severe weather have been posted by the National Weather Service for the counties of Alamance, Anson, Chatham Durham, Guilford, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph, Richmond and Scotland.

At 12:30 p.m. the National Weather Service reported a band of showers with heavy rain would edge slowly east across the Piedmont early this afternoon.

“Locations in the path of these showers include Pleasant Grove, Rockingham, Derby, Sutphin, Hamlet,” the service advised.

Hazards include: Heavy rainfall and minor flooding.

The showers along with an isolated thunderstorm will produce heavy rainfall which will cause minor flooding of low lying areas including ditches, creeks, roadways and areas of poor drainage.

Avoid these areas and do not cross flooded roads. Motorists should also reduce driving speeds to avoid hydroplaning.

The NWS in Raleigh has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for: Hoke county in central North Carolina, south central Moore County, southeastern Richmond County, and northern Scotland County until 2:15 p.m.

The service reported "at 128 pm edt ... national weather service doppler radar indicated a Severe thunderstorm over dobbins heights ... or 5 miles east of Rockingham ... moving northeast at 30 mph. Winds in excess of 58 mph are likely with this storm."

And further, "Precautionary/preparedness actions ... Large hail will damage vehicles ... windows and some roofs. Severe winds will blow down trees ... power lines ... and can damage mobile homes and other buildings. Seek shelter in a sturdy structure until the storm has passed. Stay away from windows."



Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then showers likely. Areas of fog after 3am. Low around 63. South wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

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