Cape Fear region starting to feel early impacts of Tropical Storm Elsa

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Tropical Storm Elsa will be bringing some of those impacts to the Cape Fear Region today.

As of 8 a.m., we could see churned up surf at North Topsail Beach with the temperature in the lower 80’s and signs that the tropical air mass has already reached our region.

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 9 a.m. for all of WWAY’s coverage area including Pender, New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus and Bladen counties.

Stormtrack 3 Radar shows heavier downpours making its way into western portions of Bladen and Columbus counties. There has also been lightning and thunder associated with these storms.

“This could bring us spin up tornados over the next several hours all the way through midday today as the storm continues to accelerate North and East of our region,” said WWAY Meteorologist Ramel Carpenter.

WWAY’s Pinpoint Futurecast indicates those downpours will stick around this afternoon.

“As we get into the evening conditions will slowly but surely start to improve,” Carpenter said.