Tornado touchdown in Clayton, NC? Latest radar as warnings issued for Johnston and Wake counties | Hindustan Times

Update: Damage was reported in Clayton, North Carolina, on Sunday after a severe thunderstorm moved through Johnston County.According to ABC11, multiple trees fell onto railroad tracks near the intersection of U.S. 70, also known as Clayton Boulevard, and N.C. 42 East. The trees were blocking the railroad tracks, not the highway.Several homes along Iris Street in Clayton also sustained minor damage.Although radar images showed a possible tornado near Clayton, authorities and the National Weather Service (NWS) have not confirmed a tornado touchdown. The NWS reported that a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was moving through the area.Also Read: Duplin County, NC tornado update: Radar shows possible rotation near Beulaville, Chinquapin and WallaceInitial report: A tornado warning remains in effect for Johnston and Wake counties in North Carolina until 2 p.m. EDT Sunday.Radar images shared by local residents and storm chasers showed a possible tornado near Clayton. However, the National Weather Service (NWS) has not confirmed a tornado touchdown.In its latest update, issued at 1:13 p.m. EDT, the NWS said, "a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Clayton, or 11 miles northwest of Smithfield, moving northeast at 35 mph."Also Read: Tornado hits Screven County, Georgia: Videos capture massive twister near NewingtonTornado watch issued for 10 counties in North and South CarolinaThe National Weather Service has issued Tornado Watch 680 for 10 counties across southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. The watch is in effective until 5 p.m. EDT on Sunday.Which counties are under the tornado watch?In North Carolina, the watch covers six counties: Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender and Robeson.In South Carolina, the watch includes four counties: Dillon, Horry, Marion and Marlboro.Full list of affected cities and communitiesSeveral cities and communities across the two states are included in the watch, including Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Lumberton, Conway, Leland, Southport, Whiteville, Elizabethtown, Bennettsville, Dillon, Marion, Mullins and Surf City.Other affected communities include Bladenboro, Boiling Spring Lakes, Burgaw, Chadbourn, Garden City, Lake Waccamaw, Little River, Long Beach, McColl, Oak Island, Red Hill, Socastee, Sunset Beach and Tabor City.