**Tornadoes from Tropical Storm Debby Devastate North Carolina Communities**
— Early Thursday morning, a series of tornadoes triggered by Tropical Storm Debby wreaked havoc across North and South Carolina, leading to significant property damage and one confirmed fatality.*
In Lucama, North Carolina, just 40 miles east of Raleigh, a powerful tornado struck the home of Genesis Cooper. It took only 15 seconds for the storm to demolish their residence, but Cooper and his family were alerted in time to seek shelter in their bathroom.
"We felt vibrations and heard glass shattering before a sudden boom," Cooper recounted. "I can’t even describe it. It felt like suction, like something squeezing, and my ears were popping."
The tornado was one of at least three reported in North Carolina, with the most devastation occurring in Lucama. Wilson County officials confirmed that one person was found dead in a home affected by the tornado, though further details remain undisclosed.
The intensity of the tornado was evident, as Cooper described how wind gusts hurled a large punching bag from his son’s bedroom into the living room, dislodging doors and damaging the structure. Significant portions of their roof and walls were ripped away, resulting in water leaks and extensive damage to their property.
Despite the destruction, Cooper maintained a sense of calm, expressing faith in a higher power. "I knew we were in God’s hands," he stated, reflecting on the surreal experience.
As the aftermath of the storm unfolds, communities across the Carolinas are grappling with the impact of heavy rains and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Debby. Further updates on recovery efforts and safety measures are expected as the situation develops.
