Storms pound Lake area
October 28, 2010

Two nights of powerful storms have left many resident of the Lake Gaston area shaken.  Initial reports suggest no injuries but some property damage.

A tornado was  confirmed by the National Weather Service in part of Mecklenburg County late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. The worst of the damage appeared to be in an area five miles north of Skipwith at the intersection of Skipwood Road and New Hope Road.

The NWS says the tornado was on the ground over a length of about one-and-a-quarter miles. Winds at 70 to 80 mph were projected. Trees and power-lines were downed and several out building were damaged.

On Wednesday night, a second round of storms hit. In Vance County, winds ripped part of the roof off a gas station at Satterwhite Point Road and U.S. Highway 158. No one was hurt, but the station sustained more than $25,000 in damage.

On Paschal Station Road in Warren County, there was shed and tree damage at two homes (photo left) less than a mile from the Virginia line and about two miles from Lake Gaston.  

All around the lake, heavy rain and vivid lightning were reported Wednesday night. Near Lake Gaston buoy 21, rain in excess of three inches was reported Wednesday night.