79 mph wind gust recorded at RDU Int'l. Airport!

[Skywatch_NC]

http://www.wral.com/news/3739785/detail.html


Hurricane-Force Winds Recorded at RDU International; Flights Suspended
Possible Tornadoes Reported Across the State

POSTED: 1:17 pm EDT September 17, 2004
UPDATED: 4:31 pm EDT September 17, 2004

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Flights have been suspended in and out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport Friday afternoon after wind gusts of 79 mph were recorded there.

WEATHER ALERT: Tornado watches are in effect through 5 p.m. Friday for most counties in the WRAL viewing area.

Five planes and the airport reportedly sustained damage. Airport spokesperson Mindy Hamlin said the control tower was evacuated.

At 4:30 p;.m., Progress Energy reports 2,300 customers in the Triangle are without power.

Possible tornadoes have been reported across the northern Piedmont region Friday.

There are reports of damage from strong winds in Rockingham County, north of Greensboro on the Virginia border. Sightings have also been reported in Stokes and Guilford.

Two funnel clouds were spotted in in Moore County Friday afternoon, with high winds, rain and hail.

The National Weather Service has put 47 of the state's 100 counties under a tornado watch, meaning conditions are favorable for tornadoes as the remnants of Hurricane Ivan work east across the state.