CBS 17 Meteorologist Lance Blocker was on the ground in Rocky Mount when a 'significant tornado' touched down, heading north just at 1:31 p.m.

The City of Rock Mount said 15 people were injured during a tornado on Friday. The National Weather Service office in Raleigh estimated winds were 140 mph which is EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Officials said four of the injuries were considered to be serious.

A tornado watch has been issued for Hampton Roads and North Carolina as Hurricane Helene, now downgraded to a tropical storm, makes its way across the southern United States. Tornadoes and damaging wind gusts are possible until 6 p.