CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Possible tornadoes flipped mobile homes, toppled trees and damaged a gymnasium as a series of storms rumbled through North Carolina on Wednesday, officials said.
There were no immediate reports of injuries as the storms headed east.
The Statesville Record & Landmark reported at least two mobile homes were destroyed in a portion of Iredell County. Video coverage showed numerous trees toppled and there are multiple reports of property damage near the Davie County line. Some of the trees blocked local roads, and power lines were down as well. Debris was scattered in the storm’s wake.
The National Weather Service reported a storm with rotation was spotted near Troutman, south of Statesville, and moved east toward Cool Springs.
In Yadkin County, the Winston-Salem Journal reported a gymnasium at Courtney Elementary School suffered severe damage. Pictures and video showed bricks scattered on the basketball court, the end walls blown out and half of the roof missing. Motorists were redirected because of the damage, and emergency officials said trees that fell across roads hindered personnel in getting to some areas.
The Stokes County sheriff reported a tornado touched down there about 4:15 p.m. Fallen trees blocked roads and damaged cars, officials said.
The severe weather outbreak began in eastern North Carolina, when a tornado caused damage in Autryville.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper spoke Wednesday with Autryville Mayor Larry Autry about the damage the town sustained. Autry told the governor that state Emergency Management officials have contacted him about helping.
A state of emergency was in effect for Autryville after the tornado with winds of 110 mph damaged the fire station and several mobile homes Tuesday.
Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton said one man was treated by emergency personnel after suffering minor injuries when a mobile home overturned. Thornton said all other injuries were scrapes and bruises.
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