RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Strong storms, possible tornadoes moved across central North Carolina and Fayetteville Sunday bringing down trees, causing damaging homes, buildings and power outages.
The storm affected areas including Cary, Apex, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area and Crosswinds Boating Center.
In Raleigh, there was a report of a vehicle found in water near Glenwood Avenue.
Raleigh woman said on social media that her neighborhood sustained damage as a tornado moved through the area. The damage was reported on Blue Blossom Drive and near Groveshire Drive.
A Raleigh homeowner who lives on Toyon Drive said his roof came in with sustaintial damage inside his home
Homeowner Erik Grubbs describes what he heard and witness before grabbing his dog and getting to a safe space.
“I heard the alert I opened up the back sliding door I heard that sound you always hear about a freight train and tried to grab the dog and got up from here the roof started collapsing in as we were running the bathroom was kind of the closest place and I mean I literally grabbed the dog and closed that bathroom door when that window right there blew out and all the glass literally shrapnel against the door I mean we made it in the nick of time so God is good. Thank God these are just material possessions insurance will cover but man oh man this is tough buddy,” Grubbs said.
In Rolesville, there were reports of downed trees following a tornado touchdown.
Farther north, trees were reported down along Highway 56 in Louisburg.
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Clayton & Johnston County
In Clayton, multiple trees were reported down on railroad tracks near the intersection of U.S. 70, or Clayton Boulevard, and N.C. 42 East. The trees were on the railroad tracks.
ABC 11 saw workers along Clayton Boulevard working to repair utility poles, which impacted some neighborhoods and businesses.
Multiple homes also sustained minor damage along Iris Street in Clayton.
“I was in the house, and I saw it come across the TV that they had a tornado in Wake and Johnston County. Then I heard a boom, and when I looked at the window – the fence over here was torn down. I went and looked out at the back. My barn door had blown off. And there was (tree) limbs everywhere,” said one homeowner.
ABC 11 saw workers along Clayton Boulevard working to repair utility poles, which impacted some neighborhoods and businesses. A town spokesperson said four damaged light poles have been reported, and outages reported from US 70 and NC 42 East toward Glen Laurel Road.
As of Sunday afternoon, the spokesperson noted several traffic signals were out along NC 42 East. Drivers should proceed with caution when traveling along US 70 and NC 42 East toward Glen Laurel Road.
Fallen trees obstructed the railroad tracks, causing train traffic to be stopped. By Sunday evening, the tracks had been cleared and trains were operational.
North Carolina Emergency Management provided an update Sunday as tornado warnings were issued across the state.
North Carolina’s state emergency response team remains activated as severe weather continues to move across the state.
Fayetteville
There were reports of tornado damage, including along Ramsey Street and Skibo Road. Fayetteville Fire Chief Kevin Dove told ABC11 that five buildings along Skibo Road sustained structural damage. Several HVAC units were also dislodged at a Walmart, which was evacuated until further notice. The Fayetteville Fire Department and other emergency services are on the scene.
Search and rescue and hazardous materials response operations are underway. Officials are advising drivers to avoid the affected areas and allow crews to safely respond.
No serious injuries have been reported at this time.
Chatham County dispatch confirmed a tornado touched down about nine miles east of Pittsboro.
In Harnett County, officials reported multiple homes damaged by the storm along Highway 401 and Josey Williams Road. Brian Heath, deputy fire marshal for Harnett County, said there were multiple reports of houses damaged.
Video from the aftermath of Sunday’s storms across central NC and the Sandhills.
Western NC
State emergency officials said several communities in western North Carolina experienced flash flooding and landslides overnight, prompting several rescues. No serious injuries were reported. Water levels remained high in the mountains.
In central North Carolina, severe storms brought damaging winds and the threat of tornadoes. Officials said several tornado warnings were issued and three possible tornadoes were reported, with damage in warned areas.
The National Weather Service is expected to survey the damage to determine whether tornadoes touched down.
Officials are urging residents to remain weather aware and seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued. People should move to the lowest level of a building or an interior room without windows, get low and cover their heads.
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