UPDATE: Thunderstorms with pea-sized hail in Person and Granville counties Sunday

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An updated weather alert was issued by the NWS Raleigh NC on Sunday at 4:41 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 5:30 p.m. for Person and Granville counties.

The storms could bring wind gusts of up to 55 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).

"At 4:41 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Semora, or 10 miles northeast of Yanceyville, moving east at 35 mph," according to the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible."

Locations impacted by the alert include Roxboro, Concord, Bethel Hill, Hyco Lake, Mayo Reservoir, Hyco Marina and John H Kerr Reservoir.

According to the NWS, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle."

This alert is in effect until 5:30 p.m.

How to react when facing a lightning hazard?

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Most of the strikes occur in the summer, killing 20 people each year, according to the NWS. Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead. It diminishes as the storm moves away.

Here are suggestions for staying safe during a thunderstorm:

• To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.
• 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 final lightning or thunder before heading outside again.

If finding indoor shelter is not an option:

• Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.
• Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. If in a forest, stay close to lower trees.
• When in a group, space out to prevent the current from transferring between individuals.
• If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low area. Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
• Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively.

What steps to follow when driving in the rain?

• Turn on headlights - Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
• While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground. Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
• Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
• Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
• Avoid flooded areas - When encountering a flooded road, do a U-turn and head back. The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably 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 14, 2026 at 4:12 PM.