Tornado Touches Down in North Carolina, Causing Widespread Damage
A tornado touched down in North Carolina on Wednesday afternoon, causing widespread damage. The tornado was rated EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with winds up to 150 miles per hour.
The tornado touched down in Dortches, Nash County, around 1:30 p.m. EDT. It then traveled northeast, crossing into Edgecombe County. The tornado ended its path about nine miles east-northeast of Battleboro.
The tornado caused widespread damage in its path. Several homes and businesses were destroyed, and many others were damaged. In addition, power lines were downed, and there were reports of injuries.
The National Weather Service said that the tornado was the first EF-3 tornado in central North Carolina during the month of July.
The tornado is the latest in a string of severe weather events to hit the United States in recent weeks. In June, a series of tornadoes killed dozens of people in the Midwest and South.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The watch is in effect until 7 p.m. EDT.
Here are some of the damage reports from the tornado:
- A Pfizer manufacturing plant in Rocky Mount was damaged.
- Several homes and businesses were destroyed.
- Power lines were downed.
- There were reports of injuries.
The National Weather Service is urging residents in the affected areas to stay safe:
- Stay indoors if possible.
- If you are outside, find a safe place to shelter.
- Be aware of flying debris.
- Do not drive through flooded areas.
The tornado is a reminder of the dangers of severe weather. Residents in the affected areas should stay safe and heed the warnings of local officials.