The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Wayne, Johnston, Greene, and Duplin Counties until 9 p.m.

Much of Eastern North Carolina is under a Level 3 risk for severe weather as heavy rains and high winds continue to move across the region. Wayne County is expected to receive between 1 1/2 to 2h 1/2 inches of rain, with winds gusting as high as 47 mph.

Wayne County remains under a wind advisory until 10 p.m.