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 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.

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.

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

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.