Emily Garbutt
Updated on: October 15, 2024 7:00 am GMT
On Friday, an EF-3 tornado struck Rocky Mount, North Carolina, leaving behind a trail of destruction and impacting many lives. With winds reaching 140 miles per hour, this tornado caused significant chaos in the Tiffany Square Shopping Center, leading to injuries and extensive property damage.
Impact of the Tornado in Rocky Mount
The tornado hit Rocky Mount around 1:40 p.m., leading to 15 injuries, with four people critically hurt. The Nash County Emergency Management reported that 14 buildings sustained damage, and the tornado itself was on the ground for about a quarter of a mile, stretching 100 yards wide. The storm lasted only three minutes but had a devastating impact.
Mayor Sandy Roberson declared a State of Emergency in response to the devastation, which is in effect until Sunday, September 29, at 5:00 p.m. A number of businesses in the shopping center were irreparably impacted, including the Respracare medical supply store, which was completely leveled by the storm. The Hing Ta Restaurant also suffered significant damage.
Community Reactions and Experiences
Witnesses described the terrifying experience. Jermaine Slade, who was en route to lunch with his brother, shared: “I drove in and it turned my truck all the way around and I just kept saying ‘God, Jesus, Jesus’ and then it stopped.” Meanwhile, Lisa Daniels, who sought refuge in a beauty salon, expressed her disbelief, stating, “I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.”
The storm caused havoc, flipping over a nearby tractor-trailer and uprooting several trees that fell onto buildings. The Alpha Automotive business was also heavily impacted, with multiple vehicles tossed around in the storm.
Responses from Emergency Services
Rocky Mount Fire Department Chief Darvin Moore addressed the community, saying, “A lot of devastation, my heart goes out to the families that were involved in this, the business owners as well too but we have a resilient group of people and we are definitely going to bounce back.”
Tornadoes in Bladen County
The destruction did not stop with Rocky Mount. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that two tornadoes struck Bladen County earlier that day. The first tornado touched down at 11:21 a.m. near NC 701 in Hickory Grove Crossroads. Just two minutes later, a second tornado formed, damaging trees and roofs along NC 210 and Peter Cromartie Road. This tornado later crossed into Sampson County, where more damage was reported.
Conclusion
The tornadoes that hit North Carolina on Friday serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature. The community of Rocky Mount faces a challenging recovery, but the resilience and support from each other will help them rebuild and heal. As they begin to assess the damages and tend to those affected, the people of Rocky Mount and Bladen County are showing their strength in the wake of this disaster.
If you want to learn more about emergency services and how to recover from tough situations, there are local resources you can check out.
