CLAREMONT, N.C. — Many families are picking up the pieces after an EF1 tornado ripped through their neighborhood.  

What You Need To Know

  • The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down in Catawba County 

  • One person died due to the tornado 

  • Several families were displaced and unable to return to their homes

  • One resident is trying to figure out his next steps after the tornado severely damaged his home 

Horace Fullington has been living in his home near Old Catawba Road for almost 34 years. 

On Tuesday afternoon, Fullington says he was at his door watching the heavy rain coming down, right before the tornado hit. 

“I heard the roar coming,” Fullington said. “So me and my wife ran and got in the closet.”

During a Wednesday presser, the National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down in Claremont, North Carolina. 

The tornado tore through the community with 110 mph winds. 

Fullington’s and many neighbors' homes were severely damaged. 

“You can see the back porch is completely disconnected from the house,” Fullington said.

Fullington says he’s grateful to be alive. 

“Devastating that all you had and worked for now is all gone. But the main thing is we’re alive and good,” Fullington said. 

Catawba County officials confirmed the tornado resulted in one death. 

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