HOLDEN BEACH, N.C. ( WBTV /Gray News) - A tornado touched down at a North Carolina beach earlier this week. According to the National Weather Service, the EF-0 tornado started as a waterspout over the Atlantic Ocean and moved onshore at Holden Beach on Thursday at about 5:45 p.m.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado warning for Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and nearby communities in North Carolina after a confirmed waterspout was spotted offshore. Officials say the system is moving northeast at 20 mph and could become a tornado upon reaching land.

The warning is in effect until 6 p.m. According to the NWS, rapid action is key to staying safe during a tornado. Stay updated on tornado watches and warnings by tuning in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio.

A North Carolina woman out buying hot dogs decided to try catching a tornado on video Thursday. The end result includes some scary moments — and a bit of prayer.

A tornado watch was in effect for over 17 million people in parts of Washington, D.C., Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia until 7 a.m. on Friday.

It was the first EF-3 tornado in central North Carolina during the month of July, the weather service said. The EF scale runs from 0 to 5 and rates tornadoes after they’ve hit by assessing ...

HOLDEN BEACH, N.C. (WBTV) - A tornado touched down at a North Carolina beach on Thursday evening. The EF-0 tornado started as a waterspout over the Atlantic Ocean and moved onshore at Holden Beach on Aug. 14 around 5:45 p.m, according to the National Weather Service.

Multiple tornado warnings were issued in Brunswick County near the North Carolina coast on Thursday after a confirmed waterspout was reported near Ocean Isle Beach.