Tornado Briefly Touches Down at Holden Beach, Damaging Trees and Furniture
NORTH CAROLINA — A powerful tornado touched down on North Topsail Beach on Friday afternoon, catching many beachgoers off guard and prompting weather alerts throughout Onslow County. The storm, which began as a waterspout off the coast, made landfall near 7th Avenue and sent umbrellas, tents, and beach chairs flying.
Tornado Forms Off Shore Before Striking Sand
The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado was originally spotted as a waterspout off the coast before rapidly moving inland. Officials noted the tornado’s development near 7th Avenue on North Topsail Beach around 3:20 p.m.
The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office stated that although the tornado touched down on a popular stretch of sand, no injuries were reported. Still, beachgoers scrambled to find shelter as the funnel cloud moved quickly through the area, lifting debris and causing brief panic.
Videos Show Moment of Impact
Social media footage and eyewitness videos captured the dramatic moment when the tornado moved through the beach. One clip showed an umbrella cart being swept off the ground and flung into the air. Other videos depicted the swirling wind tearing through tents and beach canopies, underscoring the suddenness of the storm.
The scene was described as chaotic but brief. After the tornado moved inland, it quickly dissipated without causing further structural damage in the nearby residential zones.
Waterspout Warnings and Beach Weather Conditions
Waterspouts — tornadoes that form over water — are not uncommon along the Carolina coast during warm summer months. However, a waterspout coming ashore and intensifying into a tornado is far less frequent.
The National Weather Service in Morehead City issued an alert shortly before the tornado landed, warning of potential hazards due to unstable atmospheric conditions and tropical moisture along the coast.
This event has renewed attention on emergency protocols for beach towns during severe weather conditions. North Topsail Beach, a popular summer destination, was bustling with visitors when the tornado hit, highlighting the need for improved communication systems to alert people in real-time.
Officials Monitoring for Further Storms
While no significant damage was reported inland, emergency officials are closely monitoring conditions for the rest of the weekend. No further severe weather is forecast at this time, but the public is advised to remain alert to changing conditions.
The North Topsail Beach Police Department and emergency crews conducted quick sweeps of the shoreline to ensure no one was injured or trapped following the storm.
Were you or someone you know at North Topsail Beach during the tornado? Share your story or weather footage in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, and stay updated with the latest severe weather alerts across the Carolinas.
