LUCAMA, N.C. (WNCN) – UPDATE: On Friday, a survey crew with the National Weather Service said the damage near Lucama in Wilson County is consistent with an EF-3 tornado with 140 mile per hour winds.
Previous story:
One person is dead after a reported tornado touched down in Wilson County early Thursday morning, ravaging its way through multiple homes and a middle school.
This happened at Springfield Middle School, which is located in Lucama on Wiggins Mill Road.
Wilson County Emergency Management Director Gordon Deno confirmed the damage sustained to the school was from a tornado.
“Please do not drive to this area,” Deno said. “Emergency officials are on scene.”
According to a social media post from the Wilson County Government, four homes have structural damage near the vicinity of Wiggins Mills Road and Lloyd Road, as well as Friendship Primitive Baptist Church in Lucama.
Superintendent Dr. Lane Mills with Wilson County Schools released the following statement:
“We can confirm that there is damage to Springfield Middle School in Lucama. The impact appears to be focused on the 6th and 7th grade halls where sections of the roof and walls are missing or compromised. I headed out to the school right after hearing about the damage and walked the building with members of our local fire departments and maintenance staff. I am thankful that students and staff were not in the building during the time of the storm. I’m grateful to our partners with the local fire departments, Wilson County Emergency Management, first responders and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office for keeping us informed and for being onsite. This situation will be ongoing and we don’t yet know the full extent of the damage, but we will be sharing information and next steps with our families and staff as we can. It was heartbreaking to see the school right after the event, and I want to thank all the caring folks that have already reached out to offer assistance and support.”
Others in the Lucama community, like Tammy Barnes, have said it’s surreal to see the condition of their neighbors’ homes on Scott Church Road.
“My neighbors’ homes were just destroyed. It was devastating,” said Barnes.
So devastating was the situation that Barnes was awakened by frantic knocks at her door. “About 3 a.m., the neighbors came running over, so I assume it was around 2:47,” she said.
Tammy says they all gathered in her hallway, where they stayed until 6 a.m. Thursday. “It was a moment where you hold onto your faith because we did a lot of praying last night,” said Barnes.
A short drive away, Wilson County Authorities say one man was found dead on Lloyd Road after his two-story home collapsed. Family members confirm his name is Bryan Barnes and say they still can’t believe he is gone. “It’s going to be hard on them. He just lost his dad a year ago, I think it was,” victim’s family member Seth Smith.
Tammy is grateful to have seen these giant trees knocked down from the roots and even taken down from her shed, which is near her home. “We are so blessed; we have thought about it all day long, counting our blessings,” said Barnes.
Wilson County Authorities confirm about a dozen homes sustained significant damage. Several people have told CBS 17 crews they’re just grateful and blessed to be alive.