Fayetteville Tornado Damages Skibo Corridor and Injures One

Emergency crews in Fayetteville, North Carolina, responded to damaged vehicles, businesses and homes after a tornado struck the busy Skibo Road corridor shortly after noon Sunday. The storm injured one person but caused no deaths, according to public safety officials, who said the tornado affected a heavily traveled commercial area.

The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado touched down at 12:03 p.m. Sunday, according to a city news release. Damage was reported near the intersection of Bragg Boulevard and Skibo Road, as well as farther southwest along Skibo Road near Walmart and Sam's Club.

Fayetteville officials said the storm brought down power lines and overturned vehicles. Firefighters also responded to reports of an overturned tractor-trailer, scattered debris and grocery carts being thrown around the Walmart and Sam's Club parking lots.

Fire Chief Kevin Dove described the location as particularly busy when the tornado struck, highlighting the potential consequences of damage in the commercial corridor.

"That area that was affected was probably the heaviest traveled and occupied area of Fayetteville at 12 p.m. on a Sunday," said Dove, Fayetteville's fire chief.

He credited the storm's limited toll with leaving the area without a fatality despite the damage to occupied properties and vehicles.

"We're so grateful that this event was not more damaging than it was, nor deadly," Dove said.

About 40 firefighters and rescue personnel responded to the main affected area, according to safety officials at a recovery briefing Monday at noon at Fire Station 14 on Langdon Avenue. Dove and Capt. Stephen Shakeshaft, who led the briefing, praised the emergency response.

Dove described how crews handled the immediate aftermath as they worked amid damaged property and scattered debris.

"They were managing chaos with a calm professional urgency," Dove said.

City inspectors also evaluated properties affected by the tornado, including Walmart, Walgreens and TownePlace Suites, where part of the hotel's roof was torn away. Fire Marshal Justin McLaurin said other impacted locations included Joseph and Swain streets. Residents concerned about structural damage or needing inspection guidance can contact his office at 910-433-1730.

Power restoration progressed quickly after the storm. Tyler Patton, communications director of the Public Works Commission, said approximately 95% of the 2,200 customers who lost electricity had their service restored by 5 p.m. Sunday. All affected customers had power again by the Monday briefing.

Safety officials said they were not aware of any residents displaced or left without housing because of the tornado. Emergency Management Coordinator Laura Smith said residents needing assistance with fallen trees or storm recovery could contact the city's emergency management office by email at [email protected] or call 211 through the United Way for additional resources.

Shakeshaft said city, county and partner agencies were continuing recovery operations and emphasized the importance of cooperation from residents.

"We're grateful that this event was not larger than it was, and the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and our partner agencies are working diligently to restore everything back to normal, but we need your help. We need our community's help to make these things happen in a smooth fashion," said Shakeshaft, who led the recovery briefing.