At least three people have died and many more were injured after a tornado struck down in Brunswick County late Monday night (February 15). According to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, the tornado hit the south end of the country, damaging several homes, "especially in the Ocean Ridge Plantation area."
"It's something unlike I have ever seen before," said Brunswick County Sheriff John Ingram. "A lot of destruction. It's going to be a long recovery process."
Between 11:30 p.m. and 12 a.m. Monday, a tornado touched down around Seaside Road and U.S. Highway 17, leaving more than 50 homes damaged. Three deaths and at least 10 injuries have been reported in Ocean Isle Beach.
According to ABC 11, rescue operations were underway for several missing persons, but as of late Tuesday morning, all those who had been reported missing have been located.
The sheriff's office, along with Brunswick County Emergency Services and several surround fire and law enforcement agencies worked early Tuesday morning to clear debris from the roads. Additional help from the state is expected.
Gov. Roy Cooper took to social media Tuesday morning to offer his prayers for all affected and announced that he was sending people to help in the recovery.
"At least three deaths, a number of injuries and damage to dozens of homes caused by a fierce tornado in Brunswick County last night," Gov. Cooper said in a statement on Twitter Tuesday morning. "I have spoken with Sheriff Ingram and County Commission Chair Thompson, and the state has send help. Our prayers are with them all."
The storm knocked out power for around 35,000 Brunswick Electric Membership customers. While around 10,000 had power restored by 2 a.m., the outages could last until Tuesday afternoon, WRAL reports.
Photo: Brunswick County Sheriff's Office