RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Strong storms and possible tornadoes moved through central North Carolina and Fayetteville on Sunday, bringing down trees, damaging homes, buildings and power outages.
The storm impacted areas including Cary, Apex, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area and Crosswinds Boating Center.
In Raleigh, a vehicle was found in the water near Glenwood Avenue.
A Raleigh woman said on social media that her neighborhood suffered damage when a tornado passed through the area. Damage was reported on Blue Blossom Drive and near Groveshire Drive.
A Raleigh homeowner who lives on Toyon Drive said his roof was severely damaged inside his home.
Owner Erik Grubbs describes what he heard and saw before grabbing his dog and running to a safe space.
“I heard the alarm, I opened the back sliding door, I heard that sound that you always hear about a freight train and I tried to grab the dog and I got up from here, the roof started to collapse as we were running, the bathroom was kind of the closest place and I mean, I literally grabbed the dog and closed the bathroom door when that window blew out and all the glasses literally shattered against the door I mean, we made it in time, so thank goodness it’s just material goods that insurance will cover, but man, oh man, it’s tough buddy,” Grubbs said.
In Rolesville, trees were downed following a tornado landfall.
Further north, trees were reported along Highway 56 in Louisburg.
SEE ALSO | Tornado Watch or Warning: What Severe Weather Warning Messages Mean
Clayton and Johnston County
In Clayton, several trees were reported on the railroad tracks near the intersection of US 70, or Clayton Boulevard, and NC 42 East. The trees were on the railway tracks.
ABC 11 saw workers along Clayton Boulevard working to repair utility poles, which impacted some neighborhoods and businesses.
Several homes also suffered minor damage along Iris Street in Clayton.
“I was in the house and I saw on TV that there was a tornado in Wake and Johnston County. Then I heard a boom, and when I looked out the window, the fence here was torn down. I went to look in the back. My barn door was blown off. And there were (tree) branches everywhere,” one homeowner said.
ABC 11 saw workers along Clayton Boulevard working to repair utility poles, which impacted some neighborhoods and businesses. A city spokesperson said four damaged light poles were reported and outages were reported on U.S. 70 and NC 42 East toward Glen Laurel Road.
Sunday afternoon, the spokesperson noted that several traffic lights were out along NC 42 East. Drivers should proceed with caution when traveling on US 70 and NC 42 East toward Glen Laurel Road.
Fallen trees blocked the railway line, causing train traffic to stop. By Sunday evening, the tracks were clear and the trains were operational.
North Carolina Emergency Management provided an update Sunday as tornado warnings were issued across the state.
The North Carolina State Emergency Response Team remains activated as severe weather continues to spread across the state.
Fayetteville
Tornado damage was reported, including along Ramsey Street and Skibo Road. Fayetteville Fire Chief Kevin Dove told ABC11 that five buildings along Skibo Road suffered structural damage. Several HVAC units were also dislodged at a Walmart, which was evacuated until further notice. The Fayetteville Fire Department and other emergency services are on scene.
Search and rescue and hazardous materials response operations are underway. Authorities are advising drivers to avoid affected areas and allow crews to respond safely.
No serious injuries have been reported so far.
Chatham County dispatch confirmed a tornado touched down about nine miles east of Pittsboro.
In Harnett County, authorities reported several homes were damaged by the storm along Highway 401 and Josey Williams Road. Brian Heath, Harnett County deputy fire marshal, said several homes were damaged.
Video of the aftermath of Sunday’s storms in central North Carolina and the Sandhills.
Western North Carolina
State emergency officials said several communities in western North Carolina experienced flash flooding and mudslides overnight, prompting several rescues. No serious injuries were reported. Water levels remained high in the mountains.
In central North Carolina, severe storms brought damaging winds and threats of tornadoes. Authorities said several tornado warnings were issued and three possible tornadoes were reported, with damage in the warned areas.
The National Weather Service is expected to assess damage to determine if tornadoes touched down.
Officials are urging residents to remain weather aware and seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued. People should move to the lowest level of a building or an interior room without windows, crouch down and cover their heads.
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