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 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,

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.

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

RIEGELWOOD, N.C. -- A tornado flipped cars, shredded trees and ripped mobile homes to pieces in this little riverside community early Thursday, killing at least eight people, authorities said. The ...