Full Breakdown
Severe Storms and Tornadoes Damage Central North Carolina
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Storm Impact Across Central North Carolina
Severe thunderstorms swept central North Carolina and the Sandhills on Sunday, producing damaging winds, multiple tornado warnings, and at least three possible tornado touchdowns. The National Weather Service will survey the affected areas to confirm tornado occurrences. In addition to the central region, western North Carolina experienced flash flooding and landslides that prompted rescues, though no serious injuries were reported.
Damage Details and Affected Communities
The storms downed trees and damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure in a wide corridor that included Cary, Apex, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, and the Crosswinds Boating Center. In Raleigh, a vehicle was found in water near Glenwood Avenue, and a resident reported damage on Blue Blossom Drive and near Groveshire Drive as a tornado moved through the neighborhood. A homeowner on Toyon Drive described substantial roof damage.
Rolesville saw reports of downed trees after a tornado touchdown, while Highway 56 near Louisburg also reported fallen trees. Fayetteville officials documented damage along Ramsey Street and Skibo Road, where Fire Chief Kevin Dove said five buildings sustained structural harm and several HVAC units were ripped from a Walmart, prompting an evacuation.
Chatham County dispatch confirmed a tornado touched down about nine miles east of Pittsboro. In Harnett County, deputy fire marshal Brian Heath reported multiple homes damaged along Highway 401 and Josey Williams Road. Clayton experienced downed trees on railroad tracks at the intersection of U.S. 70 (Clayton Boulevard) and N.C. 42 East, as well as minor damage to homes on Iris Street.
Official Responses and Safety Guidance
North Carolina Emergency Management issued an update during the event, noting that the state emergency response team remained activated as severe weather continued to move across the state. Officials urged residents to stay weather-aware, seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued, and move to the lowest interior room without windows, covering their heads.
Ongoing Assessment
The National Weather Service’s forthcoming survey will determine the exact number of confirmed tornado touchdowns, while state emergency officials continue to monitor flood conditions in the mountains and coordinate rescue efforts as water levels remain high.