Sunday marks 12 years since the largest tornado outbreak in recorded history for North Carolina.
Residents of central and eastern parts of the state likely still remember April 16, 2011 vividly.
The National Weather Service confirmed thirty tornadoes in North Carolina that day, which damaged many cities and towns, including Raleigh, Fayetteville, Sanford and Jacksonville.
One tornado stayed on the ground for almost 67 miles, moving from near Sanford to Raleigh. It was up to 500 yards wide and had estimated wind speeds of up to 160 mph, making it an EF3 tornado.
The next longest tornado track that day was just over 58 miles from near Fayetteville to Smithfield. That tornado was 1700 yards wide, or almost one mile, at one point.
The tornadoes killed twenty-four people across the state. There were also over 300 injuries.
Fortunately, the severe weather outbreak was well forecast ahead of time. The Storm Prediction Center issued a rare "high risk" for severe weather earlier in the day.
The National Weather Service in Raleigh estimates there was a 26-minute lead time for Tornado Warnings. Advancements in weather technology, including Doppler radar, over the last few decades led to the advanced lead time, allowing residents to seek shelter from the storms.
One of the next largest tornado outbreaks in state history occurred on March 28, 1984. There were 11 tornadoes that day in North Carolina compared to the 30 in 2011. However, the death toll was higher in the 1984 outbreak, with 42 people losing their lives in the state.
Tornadoes killed another 15 people in South Carolina during that outbreak. Over 800 people were injured in both states.
Both outbreaks serve as a reminder that severe weather, including strong, long-lived tornadoes, can occur in the Carolinas.
Everyone should have a well thought out plan before severe weather strikes and know where you would seek shelter during a Tornado Warning whether you are at home, work or school.
Share your photos and memories of April 16, 2011 with Meteorologist Lee Ringer on Facebook or e-mail your photos to ncweather@charter.com
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