Tornadoes damage 200 homes in eastern North Carolina, USA

The National Weather Service is confirming multiple tornado touchdowns Friday in eastern North Carolina, where officials say 200 homes were seriously damaged.

Meteorologists say they have confirmed EF-2 tornadoes touched down in Pitt and Beaufort counties. Their survey is continuing and a final assessment is expected by the end of the day.

The emergency management director in Beaufort County says 200 homes were either heavily damaged or destroyed, and more than a dozen people were taken to the hospital.

Severe weather is possible today and tomorrow in parts of the nation’s midsection. Forecasters say an area stretching from Texas to South Dakota is at risk for large hail, strong wind gusts and tornadoes today.

Tomorrow, they say the greatest chance of tornadoes will be in Arkansas and parts of Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.