May 2016 North Carolina Tornado Outbreak

On May 4-5, 2016, a number of severe thunderstorms produced tornadoes throughout the U.S. State of North Carolina. The outbreak began at approximately 6:00 pm on May 4, with a tornado touching down in Johnston County, near Benson. The outbreak was responsible for 18 deaths and approximately $100 million in damage.

Tornadoes
A total of 11 tornadoes were confirmed that night. The strongest one was an EF3 tornado that tracked right through south-central North Carolina, causing extensive damage as far west as Fayetteville and far east as Spivey's Corner. The tornado peaked in intensity in central Bladen County, near Bladenboro.