Storms bring tornado reports

The remnants of Tropical Storm Fay brought heavy rain and reports of tornadoes to the Triangle region today, with the National Weather Service warning that storms could continue through the afternoon and evening.

The Weather Service issued tornado warnings and watches throughout the day as state Highway Patrol troopers reported funnel clouds and weather radar indicated rotational winds popping up across the region and state. Tornadoes were spotted in Chatham, Johnston and Nash counties.

A tornado warning was issued for Durham County until 4:30 p.m. but was canceled shortly after 4. A warning means a tornado may be imminent. The weather service also issued a flood advisory for Durham until 7:00 p.m

Damage reports were not immediately available, though trees were knocked down in the area of Covered Bridge and Thanksgiving Fire Department roads in Johnston County.

A tornado watch remained in effect for much of central and eastern North Carolina, including the Triangle, until 5 p.m.

The storms brought heavy rains and some street flooding to parts of the Triangle. Chapel Hill closed some streets as a result of flooding. Downed tree limbs knocked out electricity to the courthouse in Durham.

Nearly 2 inches of rain fell at Raleigh-Durham International Airport this morning. The National Weather Service says storms and showers could continue into the evening. The storms could bring gusty rains and dangerous lightning.