Severe Storm Leaves One Dead, Four Injured in Catawba County
CLAREMONT, N.C. — A catastrophic storm tore through a Claremont neighborhood on Tuesday, leaving one person dead and four others injured, according to Catawba County officials.
The devastating incident occurred on Cindi Lane off of Old Catawba Road, just south of Interstate 40. Deputies and first responders embarked on a harrowing search for victims, with at least two individuals reported to be in critical condition.
“It looks like classic tornado damage,” stated Maj. Aaron Turk of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. “We have some houses that have no damage at all, and the next house is completely destroyed.”
Heartbreaking accounts from family members and friends shed light on the tragic loss suffered during the storm. The deceased, a man in his 30s, reportedly sacrificed his own life while attempting to shield his pregnant girlfriend.
“He was protecting his girlfriend and the baby and he didn’t make it,” lamented Cassandra Perrigan, the man’s sister-in-law.
In the wake of the disaster, the community is grappling with the aftermath, with multiple homes reduced to rubble and debris scattered across the neighborhood. Neighbors recounted the terrifying experience of the storm’s sudden onset, with winds toppling trees and tearing apart structures.
Now, as the National Weather Service assesses the area for signs of a tornado, approximately 30 people have been displaced. The American Red Cross has stepped in to assist affected residents, setting up a temporary shelter equipped with cots, blankets, food, and other essentials.
As the community grapples with the devastation, the catastrophe serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared and staying vigilant in the face of severe weather. The developing story will be closely monitored for updates as the community works to recover from this devastating tragedy.