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 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.

The National Hurricane Center is tracking three systems in the Atlantic basin, including a new homegrown system that appeared late Aug. 12.

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- A tornado heavily damaged a large Pfizer pharmaceutical plant in North Carolina on Wednesday, scattering medicine and other debris around the complex.

There were tornado sightings across central North Carolina during Tropical Storm Chantal, including at the Sanford airport and in Moncure, Mebane and Snow Camp.

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.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado warning for Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach and other nearby areas in North Carolina after a massive waterspout was spotted.“The waterspout circulation offshore has been oscillating back and forth between closer to the coast,

Here's a look at what to expect in Wilmington this weekend as Hurricane Erin continues to swirl in the Atlantic Ocean.