3 Reported Dead After Suspected Tornado In Eastern NC

NORTH CAROLINA — At least three people were found dead and 10 injured in southeastern North Carolina after a suspected tornado touched down around midnight Monday, authorities confirmed.

Overnight storms moving eastward through the state Monday evening prompted the National Weather Service to issue a severe weather warning for the coastal region along the South Carolina border in the southern tip of Brunswick County.

Emergency officials believe that minutes before midnight a possible tornado touched down near the Ocean Ridge Plantation neighborhood in Ocean Isle Beach. Officials said they were awaiting confirmation from the National Weather Service in Wilmington of tornadic activity in the area.

"At this time, there are three confirmed fatalities and 10 confirmed injuries," Brunswick County Emergency Services said in a statement. "It is estimated that at least 50 homes were affected in the incident and several power lines were damaged, causing power outages."

Emergency officials responding to the scene found homes ripped apart to their foundations, downed trees and neighborhood streets littered with debris.

"Devastating damage to many homes, especially in the Ocean Ridge Plantation area," the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office said.

Authorities advised anyone who did not live in the area to stay away until they had an opportunity to assess the damages in daylight.

A temporary shelter was opened for displaced families, county emergency officials said.