Genesis Cooper’s home in Lucama, located about 40 miles east of Raleigh, was destroyed in just 15 seconds. Cooper, his wife, and their 20-year-old son took refuge in their bathroom, barely escaping the tornado’s wrath.Cooper described the experience as a “suction” feeling, with vibrations and glass shattering before a powerful boom.
The tornado in Lucama was one of at least three reported overnight in North Carolina. Wilson County spokesperson Stephen Mann confirmed the death of one person in a home damaged by the tornado. Details about the victim have not yet been released.
Damage to schools and infrastructure
The tornado also impacted Springfield Middle School in Wilson County. The school’s roof and walls in the 6th and 7th grade halls were severely damaged. Drone footage revealed ripped-off roof sections, exposed rafters, and debris scattered across the lawn.
In Bladenboro, about 100 miles south of Lucama, the storm caused significant flooding. A patrol car was damaged by a fallen tree, and roads were washed out. Local businesses like Diamond Dave’s Grill experienced flooding but avoided severe damage thanks to prior preparations.
Flooding and continued threat
Debby, which had downgraded to a tropical depression by late Thursday afternoon, brought heavy rains and flooding to the Carolinas. The National Hurricane Center reported that Debby made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 1 hurricane before striking South Carolina as a tropical storm.
As of Thursday, at least seven people have died due to the tropical weather. North and South Carolina face additional flooding, with up to 6 more inches of rain expected. Central North Carolina and parts of Virginia are forecasted to receive 3 to 7 inches of rain, with isolated areas potentially getting up to 10 inches.
Flooding concerns extend to Georgia
In southeast Georgia, officials warned of potential flooding from swollen rivers. The Ogeechee River near Savannah is expected to reach major flood stage, prompting evacuations in Effingham County. Chatham County, which includes Savannah, allowed residents to decide on evacuations, while rescue teams have already helped 17 people from flood-threatened homes.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster urged residents to remain vigilant as flooding from North Carolina could affect downstream areas. “We’ve passed some dangers, but there’s still plenty,” McMaster said.
Recovery efforts and challenges
On the Isle of Palms near Charleston, Robert Chesnut struggled to remove floodwater from his home using an industrial pump. Despite hours of effort, only a small portion of the water had been removed. Chesnut noted the challenges of dealing with contaminated water from septic tanks, emphasizing the need for thorough disinfection.
As Debby continues to move away, recovery efforts are underway, but the impact of the storm is far from over.