Tornado Watch Issued for Central North Carolina
A line of strong storms is expected to pass through the Triangle area late Friday afternoon
[Update: Friday, May 6, 2022: 9:45 p.m.]
The tornado watch has been extended until 12 a.m. Friday.
[Update: Friday, May 6, 2022: 5:23 p.m.]
The tornado warning issued for Durham is for northern Durham County and does not impact Duke's main campus.
[Original Post]
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for Durham, Wake and surrounding counties for Friday until 10 p.m.
The storm may bring damaging wind gusts, hail and lightening, and heavy downpours. An isolated tornado also can't be ruled out.
A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
In the event of a tornado warning, which indicates a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar, Duke officials will send a text and email notification to students, faculty and staff. If the warning area includes Duke's main campus, the sirens will also be activated along with text and email notifications to direct individuals to seek shelter immediately.
During a tornado watch, the weather service suggests that people should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. For more information about Duke's emergency response plan for tornados, visit the DukeALERT website.
A host of events and activities are planned on Duke’s main campus as part of commencement weekend. Officials have taken precautions around planned outdoor activities for this afternoon and evening.