‘Hailacious’ storm strikes Stanly

By Jay Almond, News Editor

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 May 14, 2008 08:32 am

— For all its destructive potential, the severe, tornado-force weather that blew through Stanly County Sunday swept by with minimal impact to residents, according to Stanly County Emergency Services.
Not one call traveled the lines for emergency re-sponse, but emergency crews and residents both were at the ready — just in case.
“As the storm rolled through Stanly County, following Highway 73 as its path, sporadic areas received hail from dime size to quarter size hail,” Stanly County Emergency Management Director Brian Simpson said.
“The wind increased tossing debris, limbs and leaves around, but no significant damage reported.”
As severe weather and tornado warnings came down the pike from the National Weather Service, local emergency alerts were relayed to heighten awareness of the situation and possible effects.
The storm made its way into Stanly County by way of Lincolnton, basically traveling along N.C. 73 and heading out through Troy.
Several areas briefly took on a snow-covered look, but the near miss ended up being more of a novelty for witnesses with emergency crews waiting set on their marks for any necessary response.
“That’s a good thing,” Simpson said.
“We were lucky.”

Jay Almond can be contacted by email at snaponline21@carolina.rr.com.

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