Weather

Sampson County man captures cell phone video of tornado

Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Michael Bartlett captured cell phone video of the tornado through Sampson County.
AUTRYVILLE, North Carolina (WTVD) -- From his front porch, pastor Michael Bartlett captured the approaching funnel cloud on his cell phone Tuesday, while he prayed.

"And then it started getting a little louder, and I said OK, it's got my attention," Bartlett said. Then I heard things snapping, crackling and popping, that was trees being snapped.
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"And then the cloud really began to form," Bartlett added.

MAIN STORY: Tornado downs trees, damages buildings in Sampson County

A frightening moment as the EF-1 tornado with winds up to 110 mph touched down in Sampson County.

MORE: What to do after a tornado
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"You just kind of, a shock moment," Bartlett said. "Didn't really know what to think but just started praying and hoping for the best."

For Bartlett, it could have been worse. But Autryville was battered, with trees and power lines down, its fire department destroyed and a curfew and state of emergency in place.

Those in need of assistance as a result of the storm are asked to call the Red Cross in Fayetteville at (910) 867-8151.

Tornado damage in Autryvillenone
Tornado damage in Autryvillenone
Tornado damage in Autryvillenone
Tornado damage in Autryvillenone
Tornado damage in Autryvillenone
The Autryville Fire Department suffered extensive damage.WTVD
A massive tree was felled in Sampson County.WTVD
A resident looks at damage in his neighborhood.WTVD
Mobile home damage in Autryville.WTVD
Trees were downed and homes damaged in Sampson County.WTVD
Mobile home damage in Autryville.WTVD
Homes were damaged in Autryville.WTVD
Trees were downed and homes damaged in Sampson County.WTVD
Mobile home damage in Autryville.WTVD
Tornado damage reported in AutryvilleWTVD
All but one fire truck was damaged after a tornado collapsed Autryville Fire Department's roofWTVD
Damage in Salemburg, where a well was ripped from the ground.WTVD
Damage in Salemburg, where a well was ripped from the ground.WTVD
Damage to a home in Autryville.WTVD
Roof damage can be seen on the Autryville Fire Department.WTVD
The fire department in Autryville sustained damage Tuesday.WTVD
A tree in down in the road in Autryville on Tuesday.WTVD
A power line is down in Autryville at E. Vinson Avenue and Grey Street.WTVD
Tornado damage reported in AutryvilleWTVD
Tornado damage reported in Autryvillenone
Tornado knocks down tree on the side of the roadWTVD
Storm clouds start to formWTVD


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