Rockingham was hit by heavy rain, thunder and lightning just before 2 p.m. today.

A severe thunderstorm warning for west central Scotland and Richmond counties issued by the National Weather Service expired at 2 p.m., however, a hazardous weather outlook warns of the possibility of more storms this afternoon and evening.

Richmond County is among 30 counties impacted by the hazardous weather outlook, which states in part: "Scattered thunderstorms this afternoon will become more numerous over the western piedmont late in the afternoon... Spreading Eastward across all of central north carolina into the evening hours. Locally heavy rain and frequent lightning can be expected with the stronger storms. Wind gusts to near 40 mph and small hail are also possible. The risk of strong to severe storms will be greatest over the southern Piedmont and Sandhills."

Numerous showers and thunderstorms are again expected on Wednesday, the NWS said. The primary threats with these storms will be from locally heavy rain, small hail and frequent cloud to ground lightning.

If you observed severe weather including damaging winds or large hail, contact the National Weather Service by calling toll free 1-877-633-6772, or notify your nearest law enforcement agency and ask them to relay your report to the NWS forecast office in Raleigh.