JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – Dozens in the community came out Saturday morning to help clean debris in the aftermath of a tornado that destroyed American Legion building, a veteran organization in Jacksonville earlier this week. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) said a EF-0 tornado hit Jacksonville at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday  near New River Station. It touched down for less than one minute, but covered over 60 feet of ground, with wind speeds reaching an estimated 85 mph. 

The NWS confirmed four other EF-1 tornadoes in eastern North Carolina Thursday. 

Jacksonville Fire officials said no one was inside the building at the time of the storm. 

Legion Commander Steve Shortt said they plan to rebuild the property.