BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. — Three people are dead and 10 others are recovering from injuries after a possible tornado struck coastal North Carolina overnight, officials said.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tornado that hit the south end of Brunswick County early...
Posted by Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, NC on Tuesday, February 16, 2021
According to WNCN and WECT, the possible twister touched down about midnight Tuesday in Brunswick County, which was under a tornado warning. Minutes later, the National Weather Service’s office in Wilmington warned of structural damage and downed power lines near Highway 17 in Grissettown.
“Avoid the area,” the agency tweeted.
Tornado Warning including Brunswick County, NC until 12:15 AM EST pic.twitter.com/4qqhzaMuwY
— NWS Wilmington NC (@NWSWilmingtonNC) February 16, 2021
Structural damage and power lines down along Highway 17 near Highway 904 in the Grissettown area (Brunswick County). Avoid the area. #ncwx #ILMwx
— NWS Wilmington NC (@NWSWilmingtonNC) February 16, 2021
WECT reported that emergency crews had responded to Ocean Ridge Plantation, where multiple homes experienced “heavy damage.”
Extensive tornado damage here at Ocean Ridge Planation. I’m walking throughout the area now. #WWAY pic.twitter.com/xRSuoFYNDS
— Tanner Barth (@tanner_barth) February 16, 2021
At least 37,000 customers in the area were without power about 1 a.m. ET, according to WECT.
Friends in law enforcement say the damage is extensive and authorities are trying to locate people not accounted for between Ocean Isle and Grissettown in Brunswick County. #scwx #ncwx https://t.co/zRpWT8YURm
— Ed Piotrowski (@EdPiotrowski) February 16, 2021
On Tuesday morning, Brunswick County officials said three people died and 10 were hurt as a result of the possible twister, WRAL reported.
#BREAKING - 10 injuries and 3 fatalities confirmed by Brunswick Co Officials after a #tornado #severe weather hits along Hwy 17 between Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle overnight. @wral is live onscene now with @WRALBrettKnese in the #breakingnewstracker.
— Robin Lambert (@lilbirdtoldmeTV) February 16, 2021
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