Weather alert affecting Halifax County Friday night - wind gusts reaching 55 mph

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A weather alert was issued by the NWS Raleigh NC on Friday at 10:13 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 10:45 p.m. for Halifax County.

The storms are foreseen to bring wind gusts of up to 55 mph and nickel-sized hail (0.88 inches).

"At 10:13 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Roxobel, or 7 miles south of Rich Square, moving east at 15 mph," says the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible."

The alert is for Scotland Neck.

The NWS comments, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building."

This alert is in effect until 10:45 p.m.

Actions to take when lightning threat is imminent

Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.

Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:

• To minimize risk of being struck by lightning, when going outside, have a plan to get to a safer place.
• If the sky grows ominous and you hear thunder, seek out a safe place to take shelter.
• Once indoors, avoid touching corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, and windows and doors.
• Wait for 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back out.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Steer clear of open fields, hilltops, or ridge tops.
• Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures. When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.
• If you are with a group, fan out to stop the current from transmitting between members.
• If you are camping in an open setting, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low spot. Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.
• Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, yet they conduct electricity efficiently.

Rainy weather driving tips

• Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
• While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
• Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
• Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
• Steer clear of flooded areas - When coming to a flooded road, turn around and head back. Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:

1. Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases. Drive at a reduced speed during wet weather.
2. Water depth - The deeper the water, the sooner a vehicle loses traction on the road. It doesn't matter how deep the water is, even a thin layer can lead to hydroplaning.
3. Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

• Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
• Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
• Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
• Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots North Carolina

This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 10:18 PM.