A tornado warning issued for Hillsborough and portions of northern Orange County has expired.

The warning was issued by the National Weather Service at 6:40 p.m. and lasted until 7:30. Orange County was also included in a tornado watch that lasted until 9 p.m. on Thursday.

This comes as a storm system is expected to blow through much of the South on Thursday evening, bringing with it the potential for damaging winds, thunderstorms and “significant severe tornadoes.” Much of central North Carolina is at Level 4 “moderate risk” for severe weather, according to the National Weather Service.

As of Thursday evening, the threat of severe storms has passed but the National Weather Service said the region could still have scattered storms throughout the night.

As of Thursday afternoon, the “moderate risk” has shifted southeast compared to Wednesday’s update. However, severe weather in the Chapel Hill and Orange County area is still possible later in the evening.

“With severe weather expected tomorrow, people should prepare to monitor emergency alerts and review their family emergency plan,” Governor Cooper said during a press conference on Wednesday. “Everyone should pay attention to the forecast and remember to follow all recommended actions from their local public safety officials.”

Orange County and the Triangle area are expected to experience significant storms from at 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools will hold classes remotely on Thursday in advance of inclement weather. All CHCCS buildings will close at noon for teachers who choose to work on-site.

The Raleigh and Durham areas are forecasted to receive up to a half an inch of rain on Thursday. On Friday, the weather is expected to lessen but the potential for rain and thunderstorms remains.

Orange County is warning residents to be prepared for severe weather, including the possibility of damaging winds and tornadoes.

In 2019, an EF-2 tornado touched down in Orange County during severe storms — destroying one residence and causing $1 million in damages to local properties.

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