A line of thunderstorms that rolled across the Outer Banks Thursday afternoon produced an 80 mph wind gust at Duck Pier, a waterspout that reportedly moved ashore from the Croatan Sound, and downed trees and power lines on the north end of Roanoke Island and in Kill Devil Hills.
The National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City said Dare Central Communications reported the waterspout came in at 3:44 p.m. as a squall line rolled across the area.
A wind gust of 80 mph was recorded at Duck Pier, the National Weather Service said Thursday night. A gust up to 71 mph was reported in the Roanoke Sound Channel, 62 mph in Manteo, 59 mph at Jennette’s Pier and 56 mph at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
The winds slammed a tree into the side of a home on Candela Drive in Manteo, piercing the side of the house and damaging an interior bathroom.
Two homes on Percy Street in Kill Devil Hills reportedly also had trees on or through their roofs.
OBX Tree Doc was here to save the day! @OBXtoday @SamWalkerOBX pic.twitter.com/RudtRB5D6w
— Drew Hudspeth (@HudspethDrew) April 30, 2020
Strong winds knocked down the sign in front of Ocean Plaza on the Beach Road in Kill Devil Hills.
Reports of trees and branches down on power lines were also called in along U.S. 64, Airport Road, Candela Drive, Victor Meekins Road and Cedrow Avenue, all north of Manteo.
Part of the roof of Culligan Water was damaged and a tree fell on to the roof of a home on Acorn Drive in Point Harbor, according to the National Weather Service Wakefield office.
Roof damage has been reported on several homes in Stumpy Point, along with several trees that were damaged.
Dominion Power reported 252 customers had lost power in Kill Devil Hills and on Roanoke Island as of 4:35 p.m.
Along with the strong winds, heavy rains also accompanied the squall line.
When it finally decided to rain, it poured! @JMorrowweather @wunderground @mikeseidel @SamWalkerOBX @TWCAlexWilson #thunderstorm #plantsgetwatered pic.twitter.com/kcXfRihGRv
— Janet Morrow Dawson – Cape Hatteras Motel (@JanetMDawson) April 30, 2020
Ahead of the front, strong southerly winds preceded the line of heavy rain, with large waves and minor soundside overwash reported in some locations.
And then the rain finally has started. BTW, that is ONLY over wash. pic.twitter.com/N9JtIjbaJu
— Sam Walker OBX Today??? (@SamWalkerOBX) April 30, 2020
Stay with OBX Today for more updates on this developing story.
