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Several homes, buildings damaged by EF0 tornado near Newton

NEWTON, N.C. — An EF0 tornado touched down at about 4 p.m. Monday near Newton in Catawba County, the National Weather Service in Greer confirmed Tuesday.

[IMAGES: EFO tornado touches down in Catawba County]

The tornado occurred about 3.5 miles southeast of Newton. It was rated an EF0, containing wind gusts up to 85 miles per hour.

It was on the ground twice for roughly 3 miles, with a width of 25 yards.

The first area of touchdown was just off Jack Whitener Rd. and Sipe Rd. for a distance of 100 yards. The second touchdown occurred near Smyre Farm Rd. just south of NC Highway 16 for a distance of 250 yards.

This strong line of thunderstorms also brought damaging straight-line winds and heavy rain. The survey completed by the NWS Greer also found many moderate- to large-sized trees down, uprooted and snapped.

Most building damage was caused by tree falls, though some light roof, siding and window damage was also found.

At least two homes were heavily damaged by the storm.

Much of the damage was isolated to a short stretch of Smyre Farm Road in Catawba County.

More than a dozen large trees were blown over in the span of just a quarter-of-a-mile.

Most building damage was caused by trees falling. Some roof, siding, and window damage was also found.

Building inspectors with the county have been there and decided two of the homes were not safe to live in and have posted warnings.

“We feel for the families dealing with the damage but we are grateful there were no injuries or deaths during this severe weather. It could have been so much worse,” said Karyn Yaussy, Catawba County Emergency Management Coordinator. “It is a good reminder why people need to pay attention to what is happening and always know where a safe place is to go during severe thunderstorms.”

Several residents said the storm came very quickly and then was over in a matter of minutes.

"I couldn't believe it,” Barbara said. “My daughter lives there and has some of the trees down on her yard.  She was in the house and didn't even hear the trees fall."

In total, five structures were damaged, two homes are uninhabitable and one maintenance garage was destroyed. The other structures will be livable when repairs are completed.

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