Nash County neighbors pick up pieces, start repairs after tornado

Thursday, July 20, 2023
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- Neighbors told ABC11 that when they got home Wednesday night, their Nash County community looked like a war zone.

Debris lined the road.
[Ads /]
In the aftermath of the tornado, it's been about neighbors helping neighbors.

Roofing workers out of a company in Wilson offered free tarping services because they said the community needs their help.

Another man said he didn't get to lay his mother to rest because the EF-3 tornado spun up so quickly.

And Bob Norman was golfing at Belmont Lake Golf Course when the storm hit.
He was taken to the hospital for his injuries.

RELATED: 'Scared to death': Golfers take cover in bunker, dodge falling trees
[Ads /]
"As far as I know, the golf cart just spun me around enough to throw me out," Norman said. "When I regained my composure and knew where I was, I was flat on the path," Norman said. "That's where I got all the scrapes and cuts on my hand."

Bob said he may have stitches and bruises, but he's thankful to be alive after being so close to the tornado.

The tornado cut a path 16.5 miles long and had peak winds around 150 miles per hour.


Mennonite men, their wives, and children drove from Louisburg with chainsaws and other equipment to help those picking up the pieces from the storm.



"Restores your faith in humanity. I can attest to that," Barry Rehm said. " I'm grateful. These guys are a blessing."
[Ads /]
Men with the United States Veterans Corps, a veteran volunteer group, also donated their time and talents to help remove trees from a home that was lifted off its foundation.



"We took the oath to defend and serve this nation. Weather events, whether they be natural or man-made events, we haven't relinquished of our oath. We're still here," said Rod Dail with the United States, Veteran Corps.

Workers with Midsouth Roofing & Construction out of Wilson halted all orders Thursday to tarp damaged roofs for homeowners like Curt Martin, whose roof was damaged in the storm.

"it was nice to have people helping out in a complementary way. It was amazing," said Martin.

" We want to come and make sure our community is well taken care of," said Dillion Alvarez with Midsouth Roofing & Construction.

Nash County neighbors pick up pieces after powerful tornado
Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.