Cleanup Underway In Rocky Mount Following EF3 Tornado
Cleanup Underway In Rocky Mount Following EF3 Tornado Caused By Tropical Storm Helene
The city of Rocky Mount has started cleanup efforts after an EF3 tornado hit on Friday afternoon (Sept. 27).
The tornado brought on by Tropical Storm Helene injured 15 people overall. WRAL reports that four people who were listed in critical condition were released from the hospital on Monday.
A state of emergency remains in effect for Rocky Mount as of Monday afternoon.
City plans examiner Luis Ramirez Jr. says that city leaders have not been able to calculate the extent of the damage.
“We have not looked into the values,” Ramirez said. “I think that information may come out more once insurance companies and things are involved, but at this point, like I said, we’ve been looking at structural stability first and foremost.”
Ramirez added that local business owners are scheduled to meet with insurance companies on Tuesday to start assessing the damages.
“After that, they’re going to begin all of the debris removal,” Ramirez said. “So, once the debris is removed and it’s no longer unsafe, the vehicles will also be removed, and then, we will go unit by unit with property owner and the business owners to make sure there are not any other issues.”
Rocky Mount Fire Chief Darvin Moore said that city leaders will do their best to assist business and property owners.
“This city has had a lot of devastation within … a little bit over a year, but like I said earlier, we’re very resilient,” Moore said. “So, I’m sure we’ll definitely bounce back.”
