EF-0 tornado confirmed in Dare County
The NWS has confirmed a brief tornado hit Wanchese, N.C. Thursday evening, with 80 mph winds. No injuries were reported.
DARE COUNTY, N.C. — We’re learning more from the National Weather Service after it confirmed a tornado touched down in Dare County, N.C. during strong storms earlier this week.
The EF-0 tornado hit the ground in Wanchese Thursday evening. It lasted for about two minutes around 5:20 p.m., traveling 0.8 miles and reaching wind speeds of 80 mph, the NWS report stated.
A bleacher at Pigum Walker Park was tossed 10-15 feet. There was also an uprooted tree reported in that area.
“The good news is nobody got hurt,” Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson told 13News Now on Saturday. “[The] Bad news is some people had some lightning strikes on their homes, trees down, power outages.”
Pearson added, this week’s heavy rain was needed. As the department plans for summer tourists and hurricane season, it’s reminding people to love the beach but respect the ocean.
“Our beautiful community and our beautiful oceans, even though they’re pristine, they can bring hazards,” said Pearson.
Preparedness in Dare County means keeping an eye on rip currents and beach conditions, but also being prepared for hurricane season, which officially starts June first.
“[That’s] making sure their disaster kits are stocked, making sure they have the things they need to take care of their families, their pets,” Pearson explained. “If we issue a mandatory evacuation, what they need to take with them to find a place to be safe.”
To get text alerts on Outer Banks weather conditions and public safety, sign up for OBXAlerts. It covers Dare County and the towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Manteo. The alert system also warn about water delivery disruptions and provides other routine notifications.
Pearson also reiterated the importance of making sure homes, vehicles and other property are protected by insurance. While county leaders want residents and tourists alike to enjoy the beach, preparing for the worst is necessary.
“We always encourage our neighbors to talk to neighbors. Neighbors to help neighbors. Neighbors to be ready to share information with each other and take care of each other before, during, and after a storm,” he said.