UPDATE — Sunday, October 11, 1:44 PM ET: The tornadic storm is near Zebulon, about 18 miles southwest of Nashville, moving northeast at 35 mph. The warning for east-central Wake and north-central Johnston counties continues through 2:00 PM ET. Wendell and Emit are in the path — take shelter now.

**Zebulon, N.C. —** A confirmed tornado is on the ground, and a tornado warning continues for northwestern Johnston County and southeastern Wake County until 2:00 PM ET Sunday. The National Weather Service in Raleigh says radar has confirmed a damaging tornado.

**What is happening:** At 1:29 PM, a confirmed tornado was located 7 miles south of Zebulon — about 13 miles north of Smithfield — moving northeast at 35 miles per hour. The tornado will be near Zebulon around 1:35 PM. This is a damaging tornado, not just a possible one — forecasters are repeating the warning with urgency.

**Local impacts:** Flying debris will be dangerous to anyone caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur, and tree damage is likely. Other locations in the path include Emit, Flowers, Wendell, and Buckhorn Reservoir, plus NC Highway 264 between mile markers 20 and 22.

**What to do:**

- A tornado is on the ground — TAKE COVER NOW.

- Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows.

- If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

- If you see a tornado or severe weather, report it to the National Weather Service or local law enforcement — your report could save lives.

*Source: National Weather Service Raleigh, October 11, 2026.*