UPDATE: Weather alert for Eastern North Carolina Monday night, says the NWS

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An updated report from the NWS Wakefield VA was issued on Monday at 11:04 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 11:45 p.m. The alert is for Western Currituck and Eastern Currituck as well as Hertford, Gates, Pasquotank, Camden, Bertie, Chowan and Perquimans counties.

Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

"At 11:04 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Great Bridge to near Colerain to near Robersonville. Movement was east at 45 mph," says the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes."

Expect strong thunderstorms in the following locations:

• Virginia Beach, Windsor, Great Bridge, Ryland, Chesapeake, Colerain, Rockyhock, Tyner, Fentress, and Hobbsville around 11:10 p.m.
• South Mills, Morgans Corner, Valhalla, Northwest, and Belvidere around 11:15 p.m.
• Hertford, Winfall, and Back Bay around 11:20 p.m.
• Elizabeth City, Cape Colony, Moyock, and Chapanoke around 11:25 p.m.
• Burgess around 11:30 p.m.
• Currituck, Camden, Elizabeth City State University, Snug Harbor, and Nixonton around 11:35 p.m.

Other impacted locations include Goose Pond, Whites Crossroads, Pierceville, Newsome Store, Arrowhead Beach, Saint Johns, Parkville, Mount Gould, Yeopim Station and Carter.

The NWS comments, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until midnight for southeastern Virginia."

This alert is in effect until 11:45 p.m.

How to react when facing a lightning hazard?

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 tips on how to stay 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 inside, abstain from touching corded phones, electrical devices, 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:

• Stay away from open fields, hill summits, 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 in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.
• When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region. Just remember, tents do not offer protection from lightning.
• Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity.

What to do in the rain on the road?

• Turn on headlights - Even in daylight, using headlights can help improve visibility and let other drivers know where you are.
• On the road - Drive in the middle lanes and stay on high ground. Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.
• Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.
• Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your 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 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. The three main causes of hydroplaning are:

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

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 9:01 PM.