Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Johnston County Until 9 PM

SMITHFIELD — The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Johnston County and much of central and eastern North Carolina until 9 p.m. Saturday.

The watch includes Johnston, Wake, Nash, Wilson, Franklin, Edgecombe, Durham, Orange, Chatham, Granville, Vance, Warren, Halifax, Northampton, Person, Alamance, Guilford, Randolph, Davidson, Forsyth, Rockingham, Stokes, Caswell, Gates, Hertford, Camden, Currituck, and Pasquotank counties.

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall. Residents should stay weather-aware and be prepared to seek shelter if a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued for their area.