By Associated Press - Wednesday, April 30, 2014

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - A strong line of storms is moving across central North Carolina, bringing high winds and flooding rains.

The National Weather Service posted a series of tornado warnings across central North Carolina early Wednesday as the storms moved east across the region. The warnings included the Raleigh-Durham area. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries.

Wilson County schools were closed Wednesday because of the weather, including flooding problems. Flooding also was reported in Fayetteville, where 74 people were rescued from flooded vehicles and homes Tuesday.

At least five counties reported tornadoes Tuesday. The National Weather Service on Wednesday confirmed that a tornado struck near Stedman in Cumberland County. Investigators classified the storm as an EF-1 with winds of up to 95 mph.

The survey showed the storm was 200 yards wide and traveled 1.6 miles. No injuries were reported.

“We did get a lot of funnel cloud reports” on Tuesday, meteorologist Gail Hartfield said. The surveys were to check out whether the twisting winds reported hit the ground.

Survey crews also went to Edgecombe County to check damage there after reports of downed trees, minor structural damage and a roof blown off a home in the Conetoe area.

The weather service said more severe weather was likely Wednesday. Meteorologist Mike Strickler said as the frontal system igniting the weather passes through the state, the potential for storms will probably encompass a larger area.

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