4 EF-1 tornadoes confirmed to hit central NC Sunday, NWS says

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The National Weather Service in Raleigh confirmed four tornadoes hit central North Carolina Sunday as Tropical Depression Chantal moved through the middle of the state, resulting in severe thunderstorms and causing devastating flooding.

According to NWS, funnel clouds touched down at the following locations:

• Raleigh Executive Jetport — Sanford, Lee County
• 4085 to 4014 Moncure Pittsboro Rd. — Moncure, Chatham County
• 680 Heartpine Dr. — Mebane, Orange County
• Mount Hermon Rock Creek Drive — Snow Camp, Alamance County

All four measured EF-1 on the Fujita scale, which rates the intensity of tornadoes based on the amount of damage caused. No injuries were reported as a result of the twisters.

The first to hit was the one at Raleigh Executive Jetport. According to NWS Raleigh, that tornado touched down at 2:59 p.m. with estimated maximum wind speeds of 95 miles per hour. The twister was on the ground for about a mile, damaging several hangars and aircraft at the airport as well as some mobile homes.

The second one touched down at 3:24 p.m. along Moncure Pittsboro Road in Chatham County. NWS Raleigh estimated that tornado had peak winds of 100 miles per hour. It was on the ground for approximately 1.4 miles and uprooted or snapped several trees.

A couple of hours later, the third tornado hit Alamance County. It touched down at 5:30 p.m. along Mount Hermon Rock Creek Road eight miles southwest of Graham. Forecasters estimated the peak wind speed for this tornado reached 105 miles per hour. It was on the ground for just over half a mile, tearing the roof of an automotive repair shop in its path.

The fourth tornado touched down in Orange County forty minutes later at 6:10 p.m. According to NWS Raleigh, it touched down just north of Lake Michael and was only on the ground for about a quarter of a mile. This twister had estimated maximum winds of 100 miles per hour and resulted in “considerable tree damage” as dozens of trees were either uprooted or snapped.

Several tornado warnings were issued in the area Sunday due to Chantal. In addition to tornadoes, system caused flooding in many parts of central NC.