**UPDATE — Sunday, October 11, 12:32 PM ET:** The rotating storm is now over Crusoe Island, about 15 miles southeast of Whiteville, moving east at 30 mph. The warning for west-central Brunswick County and central Columbus County continues through 1:00 PM ET. Lake Waccamaw, Honey Island, Crusoe Island, and Freeland are in the path — take shelter now.

# Tornado Warning for Brunswick and Columbus Counties Through 1:00 PM

**Whiteville, N.C. —** A tornado warning is in effect for west central Brunswick County and central Columbus County until 1:00 PM ET Sunday. The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued the warning after radar picked up rotation in a severe thunderstorm over the area.

**What is happening:** At 12:21 PM ET, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Old Dock, about 13 miles south of Whiteville. The storm is moving east at 30 mph. The warning runs through 1:00 PM ET.

**Local impacts:** Flying debris will be dangerous to anyone caught without shelter. Mobile homes can be damaged or destroyed. Roofs, windows, and vehicles can take damage, and tree damage is likely. Communities in the path include Lake Waccamaw, Crusoe Island, Old Dock, and surrounding areas.

**What to do:**

- Get inside a sturdy building right now — lowest floor, interior room, away from windows.

- Mobile-home residents should move to a sturdier shelter.

- Stay away from windows and cover your head and neck.

- Drivers should not try to outrun it. Pull over somewhere safe, stay low, and cover up.

*Source: National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C. Issued October 11, 2026. Reported by TNW News.*