‘Heartbroken’: Tornado claims one life, severely damages school

Tropical Storm Debby brought destruction to Wilson County early Thursday, spawning a tornado that swept across Lucama, causing one death as well as major damage to Springfield Middle School.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Urban Search and Rescue Team located a person's body Thursday morning after a house collapsed on Lloyd Road near Lucama, county emergency officials said.

Wilson County Emergency Management Director Gordon Deno said the house fell in a "pancake collapse" where the second floor collapses onto the first floor. County emergency officials haven't confirmed the victim's identity, but officials said the person's family had been notified.

Lucama Mayor Matthew Creech said the town is saddened to learn of this family's tragedy.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them," Creech said. "If there is anything the town can do for comfort or care … we are extending that to this family."

Deno told the Times that several homes were damaged in the Lucama area and fallen trees flattened Friendship Primitive Baptist Church on Creech Road.

As Tropical Storm Debby moved into the area overnight, the National Weather Service's Raleigh forecast office issued at least eight tornado warnings in Wilson County between 2 and 6 a.m.

NWS meteorologist Jonathan Blaes said the cyclone that struck Lucama was stronger than a typical tornado associated with a tropical storm.

"It was a robust tornado," Blaes said.

He said National Weather Service officials will need to survey the area where the tornado hit to determine wind speeds. He expects a team to visit Wilson on Friday. Weather officials say it's vital that residents stay off the roads through the afternoon.

"It's going to be unsettled and stormy," Blaes said, referring to Thursday's forecast.

SPRINGFIELD SEES MAJOR DAMAGE

Wilson County Schools Superintendent Lane Mills visited Springfield Middle School on Thursday morning and confirmed serious damage after the tornado crossed the county.

"The impact appears to be focused on the sixth and seventh grade halls where sections of the roof and walls are missing or compromised," Mills said in a statement to the Times.

He said he made his way to the middle school along with local fire departments and maintenance staff after hearing about the storm's damage.

The school has 463 students and around 46 staff members.

"I am thankful that students and staff were not in the building during the time of the storm," Mills said. "I'm grateful to our partners with the local fire departments, Wilson County Emergency Management, the Wilson County Sheriff's Office and first responders for keeping us informed and for being on-site."

Mills said officials don't yet know the full extent of the damage.

"But we will be sharing information and next steps with our families and staff as we can," he said. "It was heartbreaking to see the school right after the event, and I want to thank all of the caring folks that have already reached out to offer assistance and support."

Springfield seventh grader Bowman Smith was up all night following the news and learning about the devastation at his school. He's very upset.

"I was looking forward to starting my seventh grade year there," he said Thursday morning.

Bowman went to Springfield earlier this week for football and basketball workouts.

He spoke with some of his friends on Thursday and said students are worried about what will happen next. Bowman doesn't want Springfield to switch from in-person classes to virtual learning, an experience he remembers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I hope we are able to go back by maybe halfway into this year," he said. "But they might have to build a new school."

Mostly, he wants Springfield students, teachers and administrators to be together.

Bowman has a message for everyone who rushed to the school to assess storm damage and offer help.

"I just would just say thank you for helping us out — the teachers, the staff, everyone associated with the school," he said. "They are helping us out."

Springfield Middle School Principal Kelly Thomas sent a message to students and staff Thursday morning.

"I am thankful that students and staff were not in the building during the time of the storm," Thomas said.

She said families and students have questions about the upcoming school year, and those will be addressed.

"This situation is ongoing and we don't yet know the full extent of the damage," she continued. "We will be sharing information and next steps with all of you as we have more information."

Thomas mentioned in her message that she's already had "so many people" reach out to offer assistance.

"We are thankful for all of the support," she said.

She also said she knows several homes in the area were damaged and the community will need to support the families affected.

"We have an amazing community and we will get through this together," she said.

Thomas thanked all responding agencies involved.

Mayor Creech said the tornado jumped over the railroad tracks at Creech Road. He said the town sustained damage to power lines, adding that crews were working nonstop to restore power to town of Lucama utility customers.

"We are going to make sure those systems are repaired," Creech said.

He said officials would assess "the maximum amount of damage directly affecting the town."

"We will assist in recovery and cleanup efforts," he said. "We are disheartened by what the town has experienced. We are very happy that no additional fatalities occurred with this storm. We are going to push forward to make sure everything returns to normal as best as possible."