Update: Damage was reported in Clayton, North Carolina, on Sunday after a severe thunderstorm moved through Johnston County.
Tornado warning issued for Clayton, North Carolina. (UnSplash)
According to ABC11, multiple trees fell onto railroad tracks near the intersection of U.S. 70, also known as Clayton Boulevard, and N.C. 42 East. The trees were blocking the railroad tracks, not the highway.
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Several homes along Iris Street in Clayton also sustained minor damage.
Although radar images showed a possible tornado near Clayton, authorities and the National Weather Service (NWS) have not confirmed a tornado touchdown. The NWS reported that a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was moving through the area.
Initial report: A tornado warning remains in effect for Johnston and Wake counties in North Carolina until 2 p.m. EDT Sunday.
Radar images shared by local residents and storm chasers showed a possible tornado near Clayton. However, the National Weather Service (NWS) has not confirmed a tornado touchdown.
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In its latest update, issued at 1:13 p.m. EDT, the NWS said, "a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Clayton, or 11 miles northwest of Smithfield, moving northeast at 35 mph."
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In its latest update, issued at 1:13 p.m. EDT, the NWS said, "a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Clayton, or 11 miles northwest of Smithfield, moving northeast at 35 mph."
Tornado watch issued for 10 counties in North and South Carolina
The National Weather Service has issued Tornado Watch 680 for 10 counties across southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. The watch is in effective until 5 p.m. EDT on Sunday.
Which counties are under the tornado watch?
In North Carolina, the watch covers six counties: Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender and Robeson.
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In South Carolina, the watch includes four counties: Dillon, Horry, Marion and Marlboro.
Full list of affected cities and communities
Several cities and communities across the two states are included in the watch, including Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Lumberton, Conway, Leland, Southport, Whiteville, Elizabethtown, Bennettsville, Dillon, Marion, Mullins and Surf City.
Other affected communities include Bladenboro, Boiling Spring Lakes, Burgaw, Chadbourn, Garden City, Lake Waccamaw, Little River, Long Beach, McColl, Oak Island, Red Hill, Socastee, Sunset Beach and Tabor City.
Deep Dive
Was a tornado confirmed near Clayton, North Carolina?
No. Radar images showed a possible tornado near Clayton, but the National Weather Service had not confirmed a tornado touchdown.
Which counties were under a tornado warning near Clayton, and when did it expire?
The warning covered Johnston and Wake counties and was in effect until 2 p.m. EDT Sunday.
How fast was the storm near Clayton moving, and in which direction?
At 1:13 p.m. EDT, the NWS said a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was over Clayton and moving northeast at 35 mph.
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.
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Home/World News/Us News/Tornado touchdown in Clayton, NC? Latest radar as warnings issued for Johnston and Wake counties
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