EF-1 tornadoes with 110 mph winds cause damage in western NC

GASTONIA, N.C. (WJZY) — An EF-1 tornado with peak winds of 110 mph, and a width of 100 yards, touched down in Gaston and Cleveland counties during severe weather Wednesday.

According to the National Weather Service, their survey team reported the tornado touched down Wednesday, May 8, along Polkville Road, just on the north side of Polkville.

The tornado then moved southeast across Casar Road where additional trees were uprooted and snapped. The NWS reports tree damage continued along West Stage Coach Trail as the tornado moved through the Lawndale area.

The tornado then crossed Fallston Road, just south of Fallston where more tree damage was noted. The EF-1 tornado reached peak intensity as it approached and moved through Cherryville, uprooting and snapping numerous trees.

The NWS reports the greatest area of damage was observed near the intersection of Helton Road and Greenway Avenue where dozens of trees were uprooted or snapped.

The tornado took another turn to the southeast and downed several more trees near Tryon School Road and Dameron Road.

It then lifted in a wooded area along Abel Road, the NWS reports.

NWS confirms two tornadoes hit Gaston County

On Thursday afternoon, the NWS confirmed a second tornado touched down in the Gastonia area during severe weather on Wednesday.

Crews found an EF-1 tornado with 110 mph winds and a 60-yard width that tracked from the north side of Gastonia to Belmont.

The NWS plans to send two survey teams out on Friday, May 10, with one team heading to Anderson and Laurens counties and a second team heading up to the mountains to look at the damage in Jackson and Buncombe counties.

Gaston County recovery efforts

The percentage of Gaston County residents and businesses without power has dropped from over 40 percent to just below 24 percent as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday, officials said.

As of 3:30 p.m., Duke Energy reports about 21,000 customers are without power in the area.

The Citizens Resource Center in Dallas now has power and will be used by the Red Cross as an emergency shelter for displaced residents. It should be open and ready by 3:30 p.m.

“Work is ongoing to clear trees, downed power lines, and debris. There are still a number of side road closures – municipalities are trying to track and update those,” officials said Thursday.

Gaston County State of Emergency will remain in place through at least noon Friday.