LUCAMA, N.C. (WNCN) – One person is dead after a reported tornado touched down in Wilson County early Thursday morning, ravaging its way through multiple homes and a middle school.
This happened at Springfield Middle School, which is located in Lucama on Wiggins Mill Road.
Wilson County Emergency Management Director Gordon Deno confirmed the damage sustained to the school was from a tornado.
“Please do not drive to this area,” Deno said. “Emergency officials are on scene.”
According to a social media post from the Wilson County Government, four homes have structural damage near the vicinity of Wiggins Mills Road and Lloyd Road, as well as Friendship Primitive Baptist Church in Lucama.
Superintendent Dr. Lane Mills with Wilson County Schools said in a statement;
“We can confim that there is damage to Springfield Middle School in Lucama. The impact appears to be focused on the 6th and 7th grade halls where sections of the roof and walls are missing or compromised. I headed out to the school right after hearing about the damage and walked the building with members of our local fire departments and maintenance staff. I am thankful that students and staff were not in the building during the time of the storm. I’m grateful to our partners with the local fire departments, Wilson County Emergency Management, first responders and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office for keeping us informed and for being onsite. This situation will be ongoing and we don’t yet know the full extent of the damage, but we will be sharing information and next steps with our families and staff as we can. It was heartbreaking to see the school right after the event, and I want to thank all the caring folks that have already reached out to offer assistance and support.”
CBS 17 crew reports that the area near Springfield Middle School is shut down due to downed power lines and damage, while law enforcement are closing roadways across the county.
Officials with Wilson County also confirmed with CBS 17 that one person was found dead inside a home that collapsed due to the tornado. Officials believe that this person was the homeowner.
A tornado watch went into effect for several counties in central North Carolina earlier in the morning.
Click here to follow along with the CBS 17 Storm Team as break down the latest severe weather updates.
Add to favoritesCredit: Original content published here.
