Severe Storm Hits Gaston County: State of Emergency Issued

1:15 AM EST |May 9, 2024|Wise News Network|Breaking News, News Articles, Public Safety

City of Cherryville Fire Department working to clear roads after the May 8th 2024 storm. By: Mason Beam (WNN)

By: WNN Staff

CHERRYVILLE, NC, (WNN) – A tornado warning was issued for the Cherryville area at 2:58 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Gaston County Emergency Management and Fire Services issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Facebook, urging residents to seek shelter.

According to the post, wind speeds reached more than 70 mph. Quarter-sized hail was also reported.

A press release from the Gaston County Communications Office announced that Chad Brown, director of the Gaston County Board of Commissioners, signed a state of emergency for the county.

The state of emergency followed the storm. The New Hope Fire Department responded to a vehicle extrication. A tree fell on a car, causing the death of one individual and the injury of another. The injured person was transported to the nearest hospital.

“We’re working as quickly as we can to make sure our residents are safe and downed trees and debris are moved out of roadways so power crews can work on getting power restored,” Brown said.

The potential exposure for the storm was approximately 270,000 people across Gaston County.

The storm reached Cherryville at 3:10 p.m.

Cherryville experienced a power outage due to damaged power lines. Several areas of the city are blocked off due to fallen trees. There is no estimate for when the power will return. The Gaston County press release stated that 37% of Gaston County is without power.

Cherryville City Manager Brian Dalton said they are working on clearing the roads as quickly as possible.

Some of the Cherryville streets with reported damage include Hicks Street, Elm Street, Old Post Road, Ervin Drive, Autumn Lane, Mountain Street, Pine Street, Johnson Drive and Kenwood Avenue.

According to a Cherryville Fire Department (CFD) those in need of shelter can go to CFD for assistance. Additionally, a Facebook post from the City of Cherryville stated that an emergency shelter has been opened for Gaston County residents at the Citizens Resource Center. The address is: 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Highway.

Storms are expected to continue into the night. If severe storms occur, seek shelter in a secure location. Avoid windows if possible. If readily accessible, seek shelter in a basement.

This is a developing story; Check back with WNN for more updates.

The following images are from the severe storm that occurred on May 8, 2024. All photos were taken by Mason Beam with the Wise News Network.