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Claremont community braces for more severe weather after deadly tornado

CLAREMONT, N.C. — Just days ago, a fierce tornado ripped through a community in Claremont, North Carolina. Those memories are fresh on the minds of neighbors who are preparing for another round of severe weather expected Friday afternoon.

The volunteers and folks who live in Claremont are trying to get as much done as possible before the storms arrive, according to Channel 9′s Dave Faherty, who went to the neighborhood that was hit by an EF-1 tornado on Tuesday.

One person, Dustin Weaver, died during Tuesday’s storms. Several more people were hurt in the severe weather.

Homes were left in ruin, with debris scattered all across the neighborhood near Cindi Lane and Evening Drive.

Severe Weather Center 9 is tracking another chance of severe storms Friday afternoon that could bring high wind gusts and potential flooding, though the risk of tornadoes isn’t as high as it was on Tuesday.

(Photos: Severe weather downs trees, creates flooding across Carolinas)

Faherty spoke with a few people who were working hard to clear debris on Friday, including Lee and Wanda Wimbley.

“The way this foundation is doing, if it falls, the house is gone,” Wanda Wimbley said.

The Wimbleys’ home was destroyed by the tornado; volunteers and the Red Cross are helping them move their stuff out. Someone from their church is providing a home for the couple to live in.

“Loving people trying to help,” she said. “They’re helping us out - Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, people from all the churches are donating stuff and helping.”

Wanda says she’s concerned that more severe weather could destroy some of the items that remain in her home. But she’s thankful for the people helping out.

“We’re trying to get it done,” said Donald Queen, a volunteer who was helping out on Friday. “That’s what the good Lord is willing, that’s what he wants me to do, to help people. I might need help one of these days, myself.”

As of Friday afternoon, no further significant damage was reported in Catawba County. Crews are keeping an eye out for any impacts in Burke and Caldwell counties, as well.


(WATCH: NWS explains why there was no warning ahead of Claremont tornado)

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