Wanchese, NC – A brief EF0 tornado touched down in Wanchese on Thursday evening, leaving behind toppled trees and minor structural damage, according to officials.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, the tornado occurred between 5:22 and 5:24 p.m. EDT on Thursday, with maximum wind speeds estimated at 80 mph. The storm carved a path approximately 0.82 miles long and 100 yards wide, all within the Wanchese area of Dare County.
Damage survey teams confirmed light to moderate wind-related destruction, including downed trees, roofing damage, and debris scattered around local ballfields and residential areas. Photos released by the NWS show uprooted trees, broken limbs, and minor facility impacts. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Officials classified the storm as an EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, the lowest rating, indicating weak tornado intensity. The tornado was part of a broader weather system that moved across eastern North Carolina Thursday, though no additional tornadoes have been confirmed at this time.
The weather service stated that while they have not confirmed tornado activity near Columbia or Stokes, they are encouraging residents in those areas to report any damage that may have occurred.
Local emergency management continues to assess the situation, and residents are reminded to stay informed and report any unaccounted impacts through appropriate channels.
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