MEBANE, N.C. — A wall at an Orange County distribution center was ripped apart by a severe storm on Friday, but none of the 30 workers inside the facility was hurt, an official said.
Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Sunders said high winds, possibly a tornado, struck the Gildan Distribution Center in Mebane about 5:18 p.m. Saunders said 30 employees were inside the distribution center when the winds ripped off large chunks of an exterior wall.
Saunders also said the storm caused damage to several natural gas lines. In all, three buildings were damaged, he said.
Also in Mebane, a State Highway Patrol trooper responding to storm damage Friday on North Frazier Road was shocked and transported to hospital, the Highway Patrol reported.
The weather service reported half-dollar-sized hail and 60-mph wind gusts near Raleigh-Durham International Airport just before 4 p.m., but there were no immediate reports of damage.
Lightning strikes sparked fires at two locations, WNCN reported. One fire was reported just before 4 p.m. at a home in Durham. Lightning caused another fire at a home on the northern edge of Raleigh. Lightning also damaged a Durham apartment building, but there was no fire, officials said.
Related: Live updates: Severe storms move through North Carolina on Friday