Sheriff: At least 3 people killed when tornado hits Brunswick County

By CNN Newsource

Sunset Beach, N.C. — At least three people died when a possible tornado touched down in Brunswick County overnight, leaving a trail of damage, the sheriff said.

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office said the tornado touched down in the area of Seaside Road and U.S. Highway 17 after midnight. Officials reported heavy damage, including gas leaks and downed trees and power lines.

Multiple homes were destroyed in the tornado, and some were heavily damaged, the sheriff said. In addition to the three deaths, at least 10 people were injured.

Sheriff John Ingram said at 4:45 a.m. searches for missing people were underway and will increase as the sun comes up. He asked for people who are not property owners or who are not assisting victims to avoid the area as crews work to clear streets and search for victims.

The Wilmington Fire Department said teams requested by the state emergency management are deploying to locate the missing people.

Earlier, the National Weather Service Wilmington Office reported structural damage and power lines and urged people to avoid the area.

About 140,000 people were estimated to live in Brunswick County in 2019, according to the US Census.

The storm is part of the larger weather system that is bringing brutally cold temperatures to much of the US, including a paralyzing ice storm that has walloped Texas, causing massive power outages.

Storms will continue in the area and tornado watches are still in effect for Eastern North Carolina, according to CNN meteorologist Michael Guy.

Areas to the north of Wilmington including the Outer Banks through to Elizabeth City remain under watches until 8 a.m., he said.