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.

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.

It’s common after a violent tornado to see debris travel dozens, if not hundreds, of kilometres downwind from the point of damage. This is called debris fallout—and it’s actually possible to see it on weather radar.

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

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado warning for Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and nearby communities in North Carolina after a confirmed waterspout was spotted offshore. Officials say the system is moving northeast at 20 mph and could become a tornado upon reaching land.

Multiple tornado warnings were issued in Brunswick County near the North Carolina coast on Thursday after a confirmed waterspout was reported near Ocean Isle Beach.