Tornado Watch Issued for Central North Carolina
A line of storms is expected to pass through Triangle area Friday
[Update: 2 p.m. Friday, May 27]
The tornado watch for Durham has expired.
[Update: 10 a.m. Friday, May 27]
A flash flood warning has been issued for Durham and surrounding communities until noon Friday. Please use caution when traveling and avoid driving through flood waters.
[Update: 8:35 a.m. Friday, May 27]
The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Durham and surrounding counties until 9:15 a.m. Friday. A line of storms moving into the area from the southwest has the potential for damaging wind gusts. A tornado watch for the area remains in effect until 2 p.m. Friday.
[Original Post]
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for Durham, Wake and surrounding counties until 2 p.m. Friday.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop in the Triangle early Friday and may bring damaging wind gusts, hail, lightning, 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.
Follow Working@Duke on Twittter for real-time updates as conditions warrant.