One dead in North Carolina after severe storms roll across the state

Strong storms ripped through North Carolina on Monday morning, bringing strong winds and possible tornadoes.

One person in Davidson County, about 60 miles northeast of Charlotte, died in the storms, officials said. Family members identified the victim as 61-year-old Beverly Long, according to TV station Fox8.

She was reportedly killed when a tree fell onto her home, the station said.

More than 175,000 power outages were reported in North Carolina by 1:55 p.m., after the storms moved through. Earlier in the day, more than 275,000 outages were reported by the N.C. Department of Public Safety.

A suspected tornado touched down just southwest of Hillsborough at 6:52 a.m., according to the National Weather Service in Raleigh. The twister was reportedly moving northeast at 60 mph.

Reports indicate the tornado was in the same area outside of Hillsborough where a tornado hit last year, said Orange County spokesman Todd McGee.

No injuries were reported Monday, McGee said, adding there were numerous reports of downed trees.

In Raleigh, a tree fell on a man’s home at the Lakeview Mobile Home Park off Lake Wheeler Road, trapping him inside. County officials said the Fairview Rural Fire Department rescued him, uninjured.

Michael Aliff, who has owned his trailer for 35 years, told The News & Observer he was sitting in his chair in the living room around 7:50 a.m when, without warning, “all hell broke loose” and the tree came crashing in.

Several hours later, neighbors were coming by to see how they could help.

ABC11, The News & Observer’s media partner, also reported tornado damage in southern Alamance County. It wasn’t immediately clear if there were any injuries, and local emergency management officials couldn’t be reached early Monday.

Nearby Chatham County had only a few fallen trees and no reports of injuries, Emergency Management Director Steve Newton told The News & Observer.

In Durham County, there were a few reports of fallen trees, including one on a house and another on a propane tank that caused a gas leak, Emergency Management Director Jim Groves said.

“We’ve been really, really fortunate this morning,” Groves said. “Really minimal damage.”

In Lee County, about 40 miles southwest of Raleigh, high winds uprooted a pine tree and dropped it across Spring Lane in Sanford. Many nearby residents were without power about 11 a.m.

While the threat of severe storms is over in North Carolina, strong winds continue.

“Southerly winds of 20 to 30 mph, with frequent gusts between 40 and 55 mph, and isolated ones in excess of 60 mph, are expected through this afternoon,” the NWS reports.

“Significant tree damage, including falling branches and some uprooted trees, will result. Numerous power outages will also be possible.”

Staff writer Martha Quillin and photographer Ethan Hyman contributed to this report.

This story was originally published April 13, 2020 at 6:43 AM.