One of the largest tornado outbreaks ever observed across eastern North Carolina occurred during the afternoon and evening of April 16th 2011. Several powerful super-cell thunderstorms developed ahead of an approaching cold front. Conditions ahead of the front were favorable for tornadoes with a moderately unstable atmosphere combined with strong winds that veered with height. Altogether 12 tornadoes were reported across the Newport/Morehead City county warning area. These tornadoes combined to produce over 40 million dollars in damages. There were numerous injuries but no fatalities were reported. In addition to the tornadoes there were several reports of damaging winds and large hail.

Tornado in PITT, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 16:59:00 to 16-APR-11 17:04:00 (EST-5)
Location: MARLBORO
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado spun up just south of Farmville near the intersection of Highway 258 and Highway 264A. The tornado was estimated at EF1 with winds to 90 mph as if lifted rapidly northeast through the eastern sections of Farmville. Numerous homes had significant damage mainly to roofs. Trees and power lines were blown down. The tornado began to weaken north of Farmville as it crossed Highway 264 and lifted near Wesley Church Road. About 1 million dollars of damage occurred with this tornado with 5 minor injuries.

Tornado in CRAVEN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 19:43:00 to 16-APR-11 19:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: RIVERDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 4.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down in the Croatan Forest to the west of Highway 70 where it damaged numerous trees. The tornado crossed Highway 70 and did significant damage to the Riverdale area where it was estimated to be EF2 intensity with winds of 125 mph and a damage width of 200 yards. Numerous homes were severely damaged with several having the second story or roof removed. The tornado continued to track northeast across the Neuse River. Total damage is estimated at 4 million dollars.

Tornado in PAMLICO, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 19:52:00 to 16-APR-11 19:54:00 (EST-5)
Location: KENNEL BEACH
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado the developed in Craven County apparently crossed the Neuse River then rapidly dissipated in extreme southwest Pamlico County. The tornado damaged several trees before dissipating. As the tornado dissipated it also dropped debris it had picked up in Craven County including a large sign estimated to weigh around 50 pounds.

Tornado in TYRRELL, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 20:01:00 to 16-APR-11 20:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: JERRY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 400.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado spun up along Highway 94, about 5.5 miles southeast of Columbia. Trees on either side of the highway were blow down or snapped off with damage estimated at EF0. The tornado continued to move northeast through fields, before intensifying to EF1 with winds estimated at 105 mph as it struck a church along Highway 64 near Alligator. Nearly half the roof was blown off the church with an entire wall collapsed. A mobile home nearby the church was also severely damaged. The tornado then moved into fields and appeared to dissipate just north of Highway 64.

Tornado in DARE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 20:35:00 to 16-APR-11 20:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: DUCK
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 767.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado developed near the sound in the Four Seasons subdivision, then moved northeast across the community of Duck before exiting into the ocean. The tornado was estimated to be an EF1 with winds around 90 mph. About 75 structures were damaged mostly minor to roofs and siding. Several large pines were toppled and damaged homes.

Tornado in BEAUFORT, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 19:08:00 to 16-APR-11 19:11:00 (EST-5)
Location: BATH
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

County officials relayed numerous reports that a waterspout came ashore near Bath. A National Weather Service Storm Survey indicated a narrow path of sporadic damage from near Front Street, northeast toward Heron Lane. Numerous large limbs and small trees were blown down with minor roof damage to some homes.

Tornado in ONSLOW, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 19:11:00 to 16-APR-11 19:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIDWAY PARK
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 9.40M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Tornado spun up near Tarawa Terrace and quickly increased to EF2 intensity with winds to 125 mph and a damage width of 100 yards. Many residences were damaged severely. The tornado continued to track northeast and crossed Highway 24 and the Holiday City Subdivision at EF2 intensity with many homes severely damaged.  The tornado widened to about 450 yards as it crossed the Colonial Heights Subdivision with winds around 100 mph. The tornado narrowed to about 100 yards and increased to EF3 intensity with winds to 145 mph as it crossed Piney Green Road and impacted the Montclair Subdivision. Severe damage to many homes with some totally destroyed. Several vehicles were picked up and tossed. The tornado then appeared to weaken and lift as it moved northeast of Piney Green. Total damage was estimated at 9.4 million dollars. There were 30 injuries directly related to the tornado, 3 critical. No fatalities occurred.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARTIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 18:00:00 to 16-APR-11 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: OAK CITY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Trees blown down along Highway 42 south of Oak City.

Thunderstorm Wind in BEAUFORT, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 19:04:00 to 16-APR-11 19:04:00 (EST-5)
Location: MC CONNELL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Large tree limbs blown down south of Washington on Route 33.

Thunderstorm Wind in PAMLICO, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 20:15:00 to 16-APR-11 20:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: VANDEMERE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Large tree blown down just northeast of Vandemere.

Thunderstorm Wind in HYDE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 21:25:00 to 16-APR-11 21:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: OCRACOKE IS ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Power lines blown down by strong winds on Ocracoke Island.

Thunderstorm Wind in HYDE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 20:30:00 to 16-APR-11 20:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROSE BAY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Tree blown down on old Highway 264 next to Scranton Post Office.

Thunderstorm Wind in HYDE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 20:42:00 to 16-APR-11 20:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: PONZER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Tree blown down on highway 45 southeast of Ponzer.

Hail in CRAVEN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 20:00:00 to 16-APR-11 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHERRY PT USNR
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorm Wind in DARE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 20:19:00 to 16-APR-11 20:19:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST LAKE
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Weatherflow instrument measured wind gust of 57 knots.

Hail in JONES, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 19:32:00 to 16-APR-11 19:32:00 (EST-5)
Location: MAYSVILLE
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in CRAVEN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 18:41:00 to 16-APR-11 18:41:00 (EST-5)
Location: VANCEBORO
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in MARTIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 18:10:00 to 16-APR-11 18:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: HAMILTON
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in PITT, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 16:59:00 to 16-APR-11 16:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: FARMVILLE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in GREENE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 16:50:00 to 16-APR-11 16:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: HERRINGS XRDS
Magnitude: 2.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in GREENE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 16:42:00 to 16-APR-11 16:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: SNOW HILL
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Strong Wind in LENOIR, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 14:00:00 to 16-APR-11 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Tree blown down by strong winds and crashed through mobile home about 2 miles northwest of Kinston.

Hail in GREENE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 16:12:00 to 16-APR-11 16:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: SHINES XRDS
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Strong Wind in PITT, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 12:54:00 to 16-APR-11 12:54:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 47.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Strong winds blew down a large tree on top of a vehicle at the intersection of Fire Tower Road and Arlington Road in Greenville.

Strong Wind in LENOIR, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 14:00:00 to 16-APR-11 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Strong winds partially blew a roof off a house along Joe Williams Road.

Tornado in JONES, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 18:07:00 to 16-APR-11 18:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: HARGETTS
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Tornado spun up near the intersection of Highway 41 and Highway 258 near Hargetts Crossroads. The tornado moved over mainly rural areas but did strike one house and severely damaged it with winds estimated 125 mph.

Tornado in MARTIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 18:09:00 to 16-APR-11 18:11:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILLIAMSTON ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Tornado touched down near the intersection of Highway 125 and Log Cabin Road. The tornado ripped the roof off a double wide mobile home and tossed it about 20 yards. The tornado was only on the ground briefly as it lifted shortly after crossing Highway 125.

Tornado in DUPLIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 16:12:00 to 16-APR-11 16:14:00 (EST-5)
Location: FAISON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Brief tornado touchdown just north of Faison. Two trees blown down onto Highway 117.

Tornado in DUPLIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 17:35:00 to 16-APR-11 17:39:00 (EST-5)
Location: KENANSVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Tornado touched down about 6 miles south of Kenansville. The tornado had winds estimated to 75 mph as it crossed Highway 50 with damage to trees noted.

Tornado in CRAVEN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 18:40:00 to 16-APR-11 18:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: VANCEBORO
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

County officials reported a brief tornado touchdown north of Vanceboro. National Weather Service storm survey indicated minor damage near the intersection of Highway 43 and Clarks Road. A narrow damage path was noted with a large metal sign bent and twisted by the strong winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in DUPLIN, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 16:55:00 to 16-APR-11 16:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: KENANSVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Multiple trees blown down in Kenansville.

Thunderstorm Wind in PITT, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 17:15:00 to 16-APR-11 17:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: BELVOIR
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Carport blown out with minor damage to a house in Belvoir.

Tornado in GREENE, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 16:39:00 to 16-APR-11 16:54:00 (EST-5)
Location: JASON
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 30.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This is the second segment for the tornado that originally spun up in Lenoir County. The tornado moved into Greene county just west of Highway 903. The tornado produced mainly EF0 and EF1 damage across the southern part of Greene County with damage to trees and a few homes. The tornado intensified to EF3 with winds estimated up to 160 mph southwest of Snow Hill. The tornado continued at EF3 intensity as it crossed Highway 13 just west of Snow Hill. Numerous homes and businesses were severely damaged or destroyed in this area with some almost completely flattened. Numerous vehicles were also destroyed. The strong EF3 tornado continued as it moved north of Snow Hill and severely damaged the Greene County middle school where the roof was torn off. The tornado continued to produce EF3 damage as it moved along Albriton Road where large metal power poles were bent over or completely ripped out of the ground. The tornado finally began to weaken as it passed Taylor road and dissipated near Tysons Church Road. In all about 30 million dollars of damage occurred in Greene County. There were numerous injures, 2 serious. There were no fatalities.

Tornado in LENOIR, NORTH CAROLINA
From 16-APR-11 16:35:00 to 16-APR-11 16:38:00 (EST-5)
Location: LA GRANGE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado developed near the Wayne County line near the intersection of Old Jason Road and County Line Road. The tornado then quickly moved northeast across the extreme northwest tip of Lenoir County before moving into Greene County. Only minor damage to some outbuildings was observed with several large tree limbs also blown down.