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'He did save her life' | Relative of man killed during severe weather said he was trying to protect others
About 30 people in Catawba County have been displaced because of Tuesday’s storms.
CLAREMONT, N.C. — One person has died and at least two others are in critical condition after severe weather hit Catawba County on Tuesday.
According to Catawba County Communications, the person died around 1 p.m. along Evening Drive, located south of Old Catawba Road.
A family member told WCNC Charlotte the person killed was trying to protect others.
“They were outside when they’d seen it coming, and they jumped onto the trailer and he threw himself on top of her,” the family member said. “It literally picked the trailer up, and wouldn’t come back down. He didn’t make it.”
She said the trailer completely moved, from the back end of the property to the road — she said just a corner of the trailer is standing after the storms.
“We didn’t think that she made it either but they told us that she did,” the family member said. “Now we’re just trying to hear news about the baby. But he did save her life, he possibly saved that baby’s life as well.”
Catawba County officials later confirmed that several mobile homes were damaged during the storms that killed one person and injured four others.
The National Weather Service is now evaluating the area to determine if a tornado occurred on Tuesday.
Tuesday’s storm also brought localized flooding, downed trees and power lines as well as power outages throughout Catawba County and surrounding areas.
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About 30 people were displaced from their homes due to the storms. The county is relocating displaced people to a temporary shelter at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 3180 W. Main Street in Claremont.
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As of Wednesday morning, five people were at the shelter.
Catawba County residents who are seeking shelter at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church are asked to bring the following:
- Medications and related medical supplies
- Personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- A change of clothes
- Food if you have special food needs
- A pillow and blanket if you prefer to use your own
Residents with questions about shelter accommodations may call (828) 465-8355.
As of publication, the person who passed away has not been identified.
Storms on Tuesday also felled several trees in the area. One WCNC Charlotte viewer sent in security video showing the winds gusting by, knocking over trees and sending debris flying by.
Photos shared with WCNC Charlotte showed one tree falling just in front of a car and another’s branches resting on another. One photo also showed what appeared to be a damaged billboard along a highway.
WEATHER AWARE: Tornado watch issued for several counties in the Carolinas
WCNC Charlotte is working to learn more about any other impacts in Catawba County and the surrounding area including downed trees and power lines.
If you see damage or severe weather in your area, you can use the Near Me feature in the free WCNC Charlotte mobile app to share it with us. Make sure you are safe before sending anything in.
WCNC Charlotte’s Weather IQ YouTube channel gives detailed explainers from the WCNC Charlotte meteorologists to help you learn and understand weather, climate and science. Watch previous stories where you can raise your Weather IQ in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.