EF-2 tornado traveling 115 mph ripped through Sampson County on Wednesday, NWS confirms

An EF-2 tornado with wind speeds of 115 mph traveled 4.6 miles Wednesday through Sampson County, the National Weather Service confirmed.

The tornado with a 40-yard path width was one of several tornadoes this week in North Carolina.

The tornado caused significant damage to several homes, according to the NWS. Forecasters said it ripped off parts of a tin roof at one home and scattered personal belongings onto the front yard. It also snapped 1-foot to 2-foot branches.

Another home had multiple windows blown out, the NWS said. There was also part of a well roof blown off. Authorities found the roof in a cornfield.

The NWS said a week EF-0 touched down in northern Pender County before crossing into Sampson County along Willard Road.

Forecasters found multiple tree limbs and skinny tree trunks snapped as the tornado crossed a field where cornstalks were in a convergent path.

The NWS said the tornado continued on the ground northwest to U.S. 421, strengthening to an EF-1 tornado. According to the NWS, it caused minor roof damage to a one-story home. It snapped a tree and several small branches.

After going through an area with lots of trees, the tornado reemerged and crossed over Wildcat Road and Bland School Road, where it strengthened to an EF-2 tornado.

After causing damage to the homes, forecasters said the tornado traveled another half mile in an open field and lifted before reaching Belvin Maynard Road.

Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale)

EF Rating (three-second gust):

• 0: 65-85 mph
• 1: 86-110 mph
• 2: 111-135 mph
• 3: 136-165 mph
• 4: 166-200 mph
• 5: More than 200 mph