A line of thunderstorms moved across eastern North Carolina during the early morning hours on February 18th and produced high winds, some hail and three tornadoes. One thunderstorm produced the three tornadoes that moved along a northeast path across parts of Greene, Pitt, Beaufort and Martin counties. The tornadoes were rated as EF2 in Greene county, and EF1 in Pitt, Beaufort, and Martin counties. The three tornadoes produced around 500,000 dollars in damages with 3 minor injuries reported.

Hail in LENOIR, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-FEB-08 03:52:00 to 18-FEB-08 03:53:00 (EST-5)
Location: LA GRANGE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Penny size hail reported near Lagrange.

Tornado in GREENE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-FEB-08 03:45:00 to 18-FEB-08 03:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOOKERTON
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tornado touched down about 1 mile north of Hookerton. The tornado was rated as EF2 and was around 150 yards wide. The tornado demolished a 2 story home shortly after touching down causing 3 minor injuries. The tornado also ripped the roof off a nearby trailer. The tornado stayed on the ground for a little over 1 mile as it moved northeast then lifted. Damage in Greene county was estimated at 300,000 dollars.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-FEB-08 05:10:00 to 18-FEB-08 05:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROPER
Magnitude: 51.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Wind gust estimated at 60 mph blew down several trees near Roper.

Tornado in PITT, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-FEB-08 04:30:00 to 18-FEB-08 04:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: PACTOLUS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tornado touched down just east of Pactolus and moved northeast into extreme northwest Beaufort county. The tornado was rated as EF1, and was around 150 yards wide. The tornado damaged or destroyed several out buildings and snapped or uprooted numerous trees. Several homes also had roof damage. Approximate damage in Beaufort county from this tornado was 50,000 dollars.

Tornado in MARTIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-FEB-08 04:50:00 to 18-FEB-08 05:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILLIAMSTON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The last in a series of tornadoes associated with one thunderstorm touched down about 5 miles southeast of Williamston. This tornado then moved northeast into the city of Jamesville before dissipating. The tornado was rated as EF1 and was about 150 yards wide. Southeast of Williamston the tornado was rated as EF0 destroying one out building and a car port. In Jamesville the tornado ripped the roof off a used car dealership flipping it onto cars behind the shop. The tornado damage was rated as EF1 in Jamesville. Damage in Martin county was estimated at 100,000 dollars.

Tornado in BEAUFORT, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-FEB-08 04:38:00 to 18-FEB-08 04:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: OLD FORD
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The tornado that developed in Pitt county crossed into extreme northwest Beaufort county as it moved northeast. In Beaufort county the tornado destroyed several old tobacco barns and damaged roofs of several homes. One separate garage structure completely lost its roof after the garage doors failed. The tornado was around 150 yards wide and was rated as EF1. Damage in Beaufort county was estimated around 50,000 dollars.

Thunderstorm Wind in LENOIR, NORTH CAROLINA
From 18-FEB-08 03:55:00 to 18-FEB-08 03:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: LA GRANGE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Wind gust estimated between 60 and 70 mph snapped four light poles near Lagrange.