All photos, video and text © 2008 by Storm Highway. All usage requires a paid license - see site copyright statement North Carolina severe storm chase June 29, 2007 ABOVE: A close lightning strike about a quarter-mile away near Fuquay-Varina. HD CHASE VIDEO: Severe storms south of Raleigh: Watch Video FUQUAY-VARINA, NC - Severe storms impacted much of the state of North Carolina on Friday. High wind events were common south of Raleigh, from Fuquay-Varina northeast to Clayton. I documented a storm with winds recorded at more than 60 mph close to my location, which created hurricane-like whiteout conditions in the heavy rain. Trees bent severely and cracking and breaking limbs could be heard. Lightning activity was also intense with today's convection. The images on this page were captured at Willow Grove, near Fuquay-Varina south of Raleigh.