EF2 tornado in Craven County, North Carolina

The tornado touched down in the Croatan Forest to the west of Highway 70 where it damaged numerous trees. The tornado crossed Highway 70 and did significant damage to the Riverdale area where it was estimated to be EF2 intensity with winds of 125 mph and a damage width of 200 yards. Numerous homes were severely damaged with several having the second story or roof removed. The tornado continued to track northeast across the Neuse River. Total damage is estimated at 4 million dollars.

One of the largest tornado outbreaks ever observed across eastern North Carolina occurred during the afternoon and evening of April 16th 2011. Several powerful super-cell thunderstorms developed ahead of an approaching cold front. Conditions ahead of the front were favorable for tornadoes with a moderately unstable atmosphere combined with strong winds that veered with height. Altogether 12 tornadoes were reported across the Newport/Morehead City county warning area. These tornadoes combined to produce over 40 million dollars in damages. There were numerous injuries but no fatalities were reported. In addition to the tornadoes there were several reports of damaging winds and large hail.