North Carolina Storm: Tornado Watch in Effect for Coastal Regions of Southeast

A tornado watch notice has been put in place for areas north of Wilmington, N.C.

A series of storms is making its way up the southeastern coast of the United States, according to the National Weather Service. As of 2 p.m. Friday, the harsh weather did show signs of weakening, but officials maintained there were chances of fallen power lines and trees.

Tornado warnings were also submitted for certain areas of the Interstate 95 corridor, while the National Weather Service warned of a severe thunderstorm headed for the region in the early afternoon.

Weather authorities also warned of potential power outages from Cape Fear to Wilmington.

Storms in the St. Pauls, N.C. area blew the roof off of at least one building, while debris littered roads around Robeson County, snarling traffic and blocking sidewalks.

According to ABC's local station WLOS, reports from Bladen County indicated that a canopy had collapsed onto a group of vehicles parked at a Tar Heel Smithfield facility.

Initial warnings of the storms indicated a possibility of "gusty damaging winds, possible hail and isolated tornadoes," according to one advisory obtained by Port City Daily. "With our recent ice storms, many trees and power lines have been weakened. Strong gusty winds will have the potential to cause more downed trees and power lines and additional power outages."

Although the tornado watch was put in place until 4 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service reported that coastal regions of the southeast should prepare for more strong winds and rain.

According to a graphic from Port City Daily, it appears central Florida has a five percent chance of being hit by the storms, while certain areas of Georgia and South Carolina have a 15 percent chance of encountering the high winds. North Carolina, meanwhile, will most likely experience more rain into the evening.

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