North CarolinaOnslow County issued weather alerts after a strong tornado struck North Topsail Beach on Friday afternoon, surprising many beachgoers. Starting as a waterspout off the shore, the storm made landfall close to 7th Avenue, sending beach chairs, umbrellas, and tents flying.
Tornado Forms Off Shore Before Striking Sand
The tornado was first observed as a waterspout off the coast before swiftly advancing inland, according to the National Weather Service. Around 3:20 p.m., officials observed the tornado developing close to 7th Avenue on North Topsail Beach.
Despite landing on a well-traveled stretch of sand, the tornado caused no injuries, according to the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. Nevertheless, as the funnel cloud swiftly passed through the region, raising debris and creating a momentary panic, beachgoers frantically sought cover.
Videos Show Moment of Impact
The stunning moment when the tornado passed through the beach was documented on social media and in eyewitness videos. In one footage, an umbrella cart was thrown into the air after being washed off the ground. Other footage highlighted the storm’s suddenness by showing the wind tearing away beach canopies and tents.
The scenario was characterized as short but hectic. The tornado swiftly dispersed without causing additional structural damage in the surrounding residential areas after moving inland.
Waterspout Warnings and Beach Weather Conditions
During the warm summer months, waterspout tornadoes—which are tornadoes that develop over water—are abundant near the Carolina coast. It is much less common, though, for a waterspout to come ashore and turn into a tornado.
Shortly before the tornado made landfall, the Morehead City National Weather Service issued an advisory warning of possible dangers because of unstable air and tropical moisture along the coast.
This incident has brought beach towns’ emergency procedures during extreme weather back into the spotlight. When the tornado struck, North Topsail Beach, a well-liked summer vacation spot, was crowded with tourists, underscoring the necessity of better communication systems to notify people instantly.
Officials Monitoring for Further Storms
Emergency officials are keeping a careful eye on the situation for the remainder of the weekend, even though no major damage was reported inland. Although no additional severe weather is currently predicted, people are encouraged to stay vigilant in case conditions change.
After the storm, the North Topsail Beach Police Department and emergency personnel quickly swept the shoreline to make sure nobody was hurt or stuck.
During the tornado, were you or a loved one at North Topsail Beach? Get the most recent severe weather alerts throughout the Carolinas and share your story or weather video in the comments section of SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
