Hail storms hit south of Triangle

Heavy rain and hail fell over Harnett, Cumberland and Hoke counties early Friday evening.

Posted 9:57 p.m. Apr 24, 2009 — Updated 1:59 a.m. Apr 25, 2009

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A cluster of severe thunderstorms brought warnings to Hoke, Harnett and Cumberland counties Friday afternoon.

Three clusters of storms popped up in the areas during the 6 o'clock hour. The warning expired at 7:15 p.m.

The strongest storm moved along N.C. Highway 210 west of Anderson Creek. Heavy rain fell south and east of Fort Bragg, and a third storm system moved west to east over central Hoke County.

Residents of Harnett County reported hail as large as golf balls. Heavy winds and locally-heavy rainfall accompanied the storms, WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said.

Robert Heintzleman reported marble-sized hail falling in Flat Branch.

Rain fell in amounts in excess of two inches per hour in south-central Harnett County, the National Weather Service reported. A flash flood warning due to rising waters in Timberlake and Anderson creeks was canceled shortly after 8 p.m.

The isolated storms are expected to clear out quickly, Fishel said, leaving a clear, warm evening with light winds.

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