News Summary
An EF-0 tornado caused significant damage in Wanchese, North Carolina, with winds up to 80 mph. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries. Residents recounted the harrowing experience as the tornado uprooted trees and damaged buildings, leaving many in shock. The National Weather Service confirmed tornado damage, urging the community to stay prepared for future severe weather events. The incident highlights the unpredictability of severe storms and the importance of safety and preparedness in safeguarding lives and property.
Wanchese, N.C. – An EF-0 tornado struck Wanchese, North Carolina, on Thursday evening, causing significant damage but miraculously resulting in no injuries. Preliminary findings from the National Weather Service (NWS) indicate that the tornado produced winds reaching between 75 to 80 miles per hour.
The tornado touched down for approximately two minutes and traveled a distance of 0.8 miles. Sightings of destruction began to emerge on Friday, with residents reporting downed trees, damaged roofs, overturned cars, and severely damaged bleachers at Pigum Walker Park. While no injuries were reported, the storm left community members shaken and bewildered by the unprecedented severity of the weather.
Local residents recounted the intensity of the storm, with many expressing fear as they sought shelter. Following the event, Larri Flynt, a long-time resident of Wanchese, noted that the storm’s ferocity was unlike anything she had experienced during her 55 years of living in the area. Several residents, including Sara Gaskins and Phoebe Gibbs, reported being in their truck on Brinkly Drive when the tornado struck. They described hearing loud booms followed by sensations of the ground shaking as trees broke apart nearby.
The NWS confirmed that the tornado’s distinctive damage patterns, such as uplifted shingles on buildings, indicated that a tornado was indeed responsible for the chaos. It was fortunate that no injuries were sustained amid the destruction. Drew Pearson, the Dare County Emergency Management Director, also reported additional storm-related damages, including downed trees and widespread power outages.
Erik Heden, a warning coordination meteorologist with the NWS, urged residents to prioritize safety during severe weather events by seeking shelter and staying prepared. He stressed the importance of having charged communication devices ready in case of emergencies.
A final assessment of the storm damage was expected later on Friday evening. Residents expressed gratitude for their safety, with many acknowledging the importance of community support in overcoming such unforeseen events. The sentiments shared reflected a collective relief that the incident did not result in any casualties.
To enhance preparedness, the NWS has emphasized the necessity for residents to maintain stocked disaster kits and to familiarize themselves with the OBXAlerts system. This alert system keeps residents of Dare County and surrounding towns informed about severe weather conditions and other emergencies.
The tornado event occurred as residents were gearing up for the summer tourist season and approaching hurricane season. Officials highlighted the need for residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential future weather emergencies. Following the tornado, community members demonstrated resilience by supporting one another and sharing resources as needed, underscoring the strength of community spirit in these trying times.
Overall, the EF-0 tornado that struck Wanchese serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the enduring importance of preparedness and safety in safeguarding lives and property.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: Possible Tornado Hits Wanchese
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- WAVY: Video of Possible Tornado Forming
- Google Search: Tornado Preparedness
- 13 News Now: EF-0 Tornado Confirmed in Dare County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- Pilot Online: 102 mph Wind Gust Clocked on the Outer Banks
- Google News: Outer Banks Tornado
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
