Claremont Storm That Killed One On Tuesday Confirmed As Tornado

The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-1 Tornado touched down near Claremont on Tuesday.

National Weather Service meteorologist Trisha Palmer revealed the finding at a press conference Wednesday afternoon after accessing the damage.

EF-1 tornadoes have winds that range from 86 mph and 110 mph. Palmer said the storm in Catawba County was likely on the high end of that range. The twister was on the ground around 12:30 pm before it crossed into Iredell County.

The storm ravaged a mobile home park on Evening Drive in Claremont. Dustin Ray Weaver, age 39, was killed in the storm. Family members and friends Weaver was trying to protect his pregnant girlfriend when the storm hit.

Four others were transported with injuries. Three of those injured have been released while the fourth is hospitalized in serious condition.

An estimated 30 people were displaced by the storm.

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