Preliminary data indicates it was an EF3 tornado, the weather service said, stronger than the EF2 estimate they made Monday.
Authorities say a mother and her teenage daughter were found dead inside their car after tornadic storms.
North Carolina schools and businesses took part in a statewide tornado drill Wednesday morning as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.
The severity of a storm depends on many variables and regardless, ABC11 wants your family, loved ones and pets to be ready and safe.
A tornado destroyed the sixth and seventh grade wings of the school.
"Building a resilient and prepared community."