EF1 tornado in Pamlico County, North Carolina

The track started near or just south of the Bay River just to the west of Arant

and Murphy Farm Road. Damage consisted of multiple softwood or pine trees snapped

or uprooted. Multiple small campers were overturned along Murphy Farm Road.

Some pine trees were debarked along Murphy Farm Road. This would indicate

peak winds may have briefly approached EF2 damage here based on guidance.

However, this grove of trees was completely in the open and wind was likely

enhanced here. In addition, no damage before or after this location supported

higher wind speeds.

The damage path continued east of Murphy Farm Road and along Florence Road.

Near the intersection of this location and just north of Florence Road, more

than 20 softwood trees were uprooted and snapped. A clear, convergent path was

found through the woods. The damage path continued along Florence Road, where

more softwood trees were snapped and uprooted near the entrance to Bay Shores

Road. Here 3 power power poles were damaged with the cross arms broken.

The path continued along Florence Road, with more softwood trees snapped and

uprooted just south of Moore Creek. At this location a convergent path

was still noted with uprooted trees in different directions. Wind speeds

along this part of the path were likely between 90 and 100 MPH.

The path ended along Florence Road, where the peak of the winds may have

occurred or approaching 105 MPH. A brick outside wall was blown inward,

with substantial damage to a sun porch. An occupant in the sun porch during

the storm was injured. Multiple softwood trees were snapped near this location.

The damage path ended to the east north east of this location in a field.

Damage at a nearby house consisted of siding and drip edging blown in the

opposite direction of the storm path, again consistent with the damage pattern

of a tornado.

We extend a special appreciation and thanks to the Pamlico County Emergency

Services and the residents of Pamlico County for aiding in our storm survey

today.

A low pressure area with a cold front attached to it tracked east across the Carolinas during the late morning and afternoon timeframe. Along and and out ahead of the cold front a line of scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms developed and quickly raced east northeast across Eastern NC, producing 60 to 70 mph wind gusts. With ample instability and strong wind shear in place several of the storms interacted with the sea breeze inland from the coast and produced several tornadoes, in addition to severe thunderstorm wind damage.