WILSON COUNTY, N.C. — A person was killed when a tornado touched down in Wilson County early Thursday morning, damaging multiple homes in the area and a middle school.
The tornado was first reported in Lucama at 2:51 a.m. Thursday. WRAL News learned that at least 10 homes were damaged, including a two-story home that collapsed on Lloyd Road in Lucama.
On Friday, the National Weather Service determined the tornado was an EF-3 with estimated winds of 140 mph.
The second floor of the home collapsed onto the first floor, officials said. At 9:15 a.m., a spokesperson for Wilson County said a search and rescue team found the body of a missing person at the home.
Neighbors had told WRAL News they were concerned because a man in his 60s lived in the home, and his truck was in the driveway. The man was not answering his phone, and his bedroom was on the ground floor, neighbors said.
Gov. Roy Cooper posted about the devastating tornado on X on Thursday, writing, "I have spoken with Sheriff Woodard of Wilson County about the tornado that damaged a school and several homes in their area. We’ll continue to be in contact with local officials and will offer state resources to help as necessary."
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