The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Wednesday afternoon for Bladen County and surrounding areas.
The watch is from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday and also includes Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender and Robeson counties in southeastern North Carolina.
A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar and there is imminent danger to life and property.
A wind advisory is in effect Wednesday until 7 p.m. Winds are forecast to be between 20 and 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. The wind speed could be in excess of 60 mph during thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch are possible.
Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Bladen County Schools announced Tuesday afternoon that schools will be closed for students Wednesday because of the potential for severe weather.
Author: Sonny Jones
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