Isolated severe weather possible overnight

“Finally things are beginning to quiet down across the area,” WRAL meteorologist Kim Deaner said.

The rain that pounded central North Carolina moved to the eastern portion of the state by early Sunday.

Another round of rain was expected to accompany a cold front moving into the area between 3 and 5 a.m., but no severe weather was anticipated, Deaner said.

A round of storms Saturday night prompted tornado warnings to be issued for Sampson, Duplin and Bladen counties.

Sampson and Duplin counties reported no damage, but Bladen damage during what the NWS said was a possible tornado touchdown.

No human injuries were reported, but a horse in Bladen County sustained injuries, Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Phillip Little said.

The Fayetteville area saw up to an inch of rain on Saturday. In the Triangle rain totals ranged from half an inch to an inch.

The warm front that crossed the state Saturday left humid air behind. The cold air behind that front brings a slight chance of severe weather through Saturday evening and overnight into Sunday.

The greatest threat for severe weather would be along and east of the Interstate 95 corridor.  The system expected overnight was associated with very heavy rain, lightning strikes and straight-line winds.

“The farther east you live, the more likely thunder wakes you up,” Johnson said. “Those to the west can expect to sleep through the night with a steady rain.”

The rain will come to an end Sunday morning, but clouds and wind will linger. Some gusts could range up to 30 or 40 mph on Sunday afternoon, Johnson said.

“It will be windy throughout the day Sunday, with strong westerly gusts,” Johnson said.