A possible tornado caused havoc in Kinston on Thursday afternoon, damaging a furniture store and leaving behind a trail of debris. According to witnesses and emergency officials, the storm hit the Furniture Fair in the Plaza Shopping Center around 12:20 p.m., blowing out the front windows and collapsing the ceiling of the store. No significant injuries were reported, but the building suffered heavy structural damage.
The National Weather Service is investigating whether the storm was indeed a tornado or a severe thunderstorm with strong winds. The radar indicated a severe thunderstorm warning for the area at the time of the incident. The Lenoir County Emergency Services said a debris field behind the store suggested a potential tornado touchdown.
The Kinston Police Department, Kinston Fire Department and Kinston Department of Public Services responded to the scene and are assessing the damage caused by the storm. They are also dealing with downed power lines and trees across the city. They are asking the public to stay indoors and avoid the affected areas as they work to restore normalcy.
