Tornado Watch Issued Until 1 a.m. Monday

A line of strong storm is expected to pass through the Triangle area Sunday

[Update: Sunday, March 16: 7:45 p.m.]

The National Weather Service has issued a new tornado watch from Sunday night until 1 a.m. Monday.

The watch applies for Durham, Wake, Orange, and surrounding counties.

[Original Post]

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for Durham, Wake and surrounding counties for Sunday until 2 p.m.

A “watch” means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.

These storms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall, large hail, damaging wind gusts, and an isolated tornado. Wind gusts up to 50-70 mph could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locally heavy could lead to localized flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Scattered thunderstorms could persist into the evening hours, primarily east of main campus.

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 Duke Emergency Management website.