JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Dozens in the community came out Saturday morning to help clean debris in the aftermath of a tornado that destroyed the American Legion building in Jacksonville this week.
The National Weather Service says the tornado was on the ground for less than 800 feet, was 60 feet wide, and lasted approximately one minute, with winds reaching an estimated 85 mph.
Jacksonville Fire officials said no one was inside the building at the time of the storm. The building manager had been on his way to prepare for a bingo event that had 120 to 130 people expected later that evening.
Legion Commander Steve Shortt says they’ve already reached out to their insurance company and plan to rebuild on the property.
The 22,000 square foot facility was built in 1981 and has a tax value of $820,590.
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