North Carolina tornado confirmed as EF-2, reaching 115 mph winds

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HARRELLS, N.C. (WNCN) — Half of a roof was shredded and several other homes were damaged in the wake of a Wednesday afternoon tornado which has been confirmed as an EF-2 by the National Weather Service.

The EF-2 confirmation comes Friday evening after survey data was collected and published by the NWS. The peak width of the tornado was confirmed at 40 yards and a top speed of 115 mph. The path of the tornado extended approximately 4.6 miles, the NWS added.

The twister touched down at 2:09 p.m. Wednesday as an EF-0, according to the NWS, and it lasted for approximately 11 minutes. The path began four miles southeast of Harrells and headed northwest before clearing out just two miles southwest of Harrells.

The following timeline of events was also pieced together by the NWS survey:

  • Tornado touches down in far northern Pender county as weak EF-0
  • Crosses into Sampson County along Willard Road
  • Multiple tree limbs and skinny hardwood trucks found snapped as it crossed into a cornfield
  • Tornado continues on the ground northwest to US-421, achieving EF-1 strength
  • Causes minor roof damage to a one-story residence, snapping trees and branches as well
  • It traverses thick tree coverage and little road access, later reemerging to cross over Wildcat Road and Bland School Road
  • It strengthens into a low-end EF-2 and causes significant damage to “multiple well-constructed residences.
  • Tornado continues roughly another 0.5 miles through an open field and lifted before reaching Belvin Maynard Road

Of the well-constructed homes damaged, the NWS said the first was hit along the “western flank of the circulation.” Portions of the tin roof were ripped off and scattered items from the home were flung into the front yard.

The second house suffered multiple windows being blown in and likely was the initiating factor in blowing off approximately half of a roof and displacing it in the cornfield behind the home.

Half of a roof was torn off a Sampson County home during an EF-2 tornado on Aug. 7, 2024. (Lance Blocker/CBS 17)

No one was injured in the Wednesday tornado in Sampson County, though one man was killed the next morning from an EF-3 tornado in Wilson County.

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