JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Meteorologists from the National Weather Service say a tornado hit the American Legion post in Jacksonville yesterday afternoon.
The building on Broadhurst Road was destroyed by the storm.
Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time, though the building manager was on his way there to prepare for 120-130 people expected for bingo later that evening.
The Weather Service says a brief EF-0 tornado, with peak winds of 85 miles per hour, caused the damage.
Meteorologists say the tornado was on the ground for less than 800 feet and its path was just 60 feet wide.
Legion Commander Steve Shortt says they’ve already reached out to their insurance company and plan to rebuild on the property.
Shortt says all events going forward have been cancelled, including tonight’s 80 anniversary dinner for the post.
The 22,000 square foot facility was built in 1981 and has a tax value of $820,590.
The building was flattened this afternoon.(Submitted photo)
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