NWS confirms tornado touched down near Holden Beach

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down west of Holden Beach.

It happened around 5:45 p.m. Thursday evening.

Officials said a waterpout associated with a tornadic thunderstorm over water moved onshore near the 1200 block of Ocean Boulevard West.

Officials estimate the tornado was about a tenth of a mile long and 50 yards wide with a peak wind speed of 55 miles per hour.

No injuries were reported.

The National Weather Service said there was minor damage to several palm trees, and several pieces of beach furniture were tossed around before the tornado dissipated over the dune line.

A statement from the Town says: “It appears that Sewer Lift Station 4 was impacted by a lighting strike yesterday evening. Public Works crews have been working diligently throughout the night and today to keep the system running without interruption. They will continue to work on repairs throughout the weekend and into next week.”