The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for 34 Piedmont and Coastal Plains counties, including Beaufort, Bertie, Washington, Tyrrell, Hyde, Martin and Pitt, until 7 p.m.

A watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to occur. A warning means that a tornado has visually confirmed or picked up by radar.

Severe thunderstorms are possible tonight ahead of a strong cold front. There will also be a threat of heavy rainfall and minor flooding, along with gusty winds associated with this system. Gusty winds will prevail on Friday with gusts of 40 to 45 mph expected.

As of 1 p.m., tornado warnings were in effect for Person, Durham, Orange and Stanley counties.