The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed a tornado in Wilkes County on Thursday night.
The NWS survey confirms an EF-1 tornado moved two miles north-northeast starting from 2.2 Miles south-southwest of Wilkesboro (Start Lat/Lon: 36.12./-81.17) at 6:45 PM to Main Street in Wilkesboro (End Lat/Lon: 36.15N/81.16W) at 6:48 PM.
The path width was 300 yards. Estimated peak wind speed of 105-110 mph, according to the survey.
Numerous soft and hardwood trees were damaged or blown down, a tree fell on a house, an outbuilding was destroyed and numerous shingles were blown off homes, according to the NWS report.
Tree on home near US 421/NC 18 in Wilkesboro, NC. Photo: NWS Survey
Tree on home off Corporation Street in Wilkesboro, NC. Photo: NWS Survey
Tornado track map courtesy of National Weather Service – Blacksburg
Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1130 AM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024
…NWS Damage Survey for 04/11/24 Tornado Event…
.Wilkesboro Tornado…
Rating: EF-1
Estimated Peak Wind: 105-110 mph
Path Length /statute/: 2.0 miles
Path Width /maximum/: 300 yards
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0
Start Date: APR 11 2024
Start Time: 645 PM EDT
Start Location: 2.2 Miles SSW Wilkesboro, NC
Start Lat/Lon: 36.12./-81.17
End Date: APR 11 2024
End Time: 648 PM EDT
End Location: Main Street Wilkesboro, NC
End Lat/Lon: 36.15/-81.16
Numerous softwood and hardwood trees were damaged or blown down.
One tree fell on a house. One outbuilding was destroyed. Shingles
were blown off some homes.
EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:
EF0…..65 to 85 mph
EF1…..86 to 110 mph
EF2…..111 to 135 mph
EF3…..136 to 165 mph
EF4…..166 to 200 mph
EF5…..>200 mph
NOTE:
The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS
Storm Data.
Special thanks to Wilkes County Emergency Management for their
help with this survey.
