On Thursday, Tropical Depression Debby wreaked havoc as it moved through central and eastern North Carolina, bringing torrential rain, flooding, and tornadoes. The National Weather Service confirmed at least five tornadoes touched down across the state, with two near Franklin County.
In the face of fear and uncertainty, Franklin County resident Michelle Riley recounted her harrowing experience during the tornado. “I was scared to death,” she admitted, saying she took shelter in her bathroom as the tornado swirled debris around her house. She lay flat on her stomach, bracing herself for impact.
Franklin County suffered enormous damage as Debby tore through the region, uprooting trees and causing severe property damage. However, Franklin County was not the only region tormented by tornadoes. A middle school in Wilson County was left in shambles by a tornado that also claimed the life of a man as it demolished his home. In total, the National Weather Service issued 27 warnings throughout central North Carolina, with eight warnings targeting Franklin County.
Describing the destruction, Nicholas Thorpe from Franklin County Emergency Management said, “A lot of damage we’ve been seeing across the county has been mainly vegetative: Trees and limbs down, and with it, power lines.”
Despite the widespread terror and destruction, no injuries were reported in Franklin County during the storm. Residents like Riley felt a mixture of shock and gratitude in the aftermath. “I could really kiss the ground right now,” she said, bringing light to the fact that residents were spared from physical harm.
Adam Wood, another local resident, reflected on the incident, “All that matters at the end of the day is everybody’s still here. No one got hurt.”
While the immediate threat from Debby has passed, residents are now grappling with the aftermath. They are cognisant of the ongoing flooding risks and are preparing for a long road to recovery. However, residents remain grateful that their community avoided loss of life, repeating a common sentiment that damaged belongings are replaceable, but human life is not.
Georgetown's Marina Battle Heads to the Supreme Court In Georgetown, the ongoing struggle over a…
Myrtle Beach Community on Alert After Shooting Incident Myrtle Beach, S.C. - The local community…
Myrtle Beach's Iconic Regency Towers Celebrates 50 Years of Memories The sun-kissed shores of Myrtle…
Myrtle Beach's Tensions: Protests, Allegations, and a Closed Church Myrtle Beach has been buzzing with…
Exciting Times in Myrtle Beach: A New Addition to Coastal Carolina University! Hey there, Myrtle…
Myrtle Beach Hospitals: The Latest Safety Grades Are In! Hey there, Myrtle Beach! Have you…