As a resident of North Fayetteville for many years, this has been one of the most devastating natural disasters.  On April 16th 2011, a severe storm passed through Cumberland County bringing tornadic activity along.  Tornado watches started midday, yet increasing severity every 15-30 minutes.  Funnel clouds were growing in the sites of local residents who would have never guess such chaos was near.  Busy streets, such as Yadkin Road, was struck hard by a tornado with roofs, storefronts, and vehicles with heavy damage.  Ramsey Street suffered a hard blow as well.  The battling winds included a horrific path stretching from McArthur Rd near Eureka Springs/College Lakes to Pine Forest Senior High to near the GoodYear Tire Plant.

Traffic was blocked near Pine Forest High School as electricity was cut off due to the storm.  Stoplights were gazed upon in confusion as motorists reached busy intersections.  Law enforcement rushed each intersection to serve as cross guards, directing the frightened and disgruntled.  As more roads became blocked, more traffic jams built across Northern Fayetteville.  McArthur Rd was closed, Murchison Rd going toward Honeycutt Rd was closed, and eventually portions of Bragg Blvd were shut off.

“It took two hours to reach a 2 mile destination!” says Tiffany Graham, owner of Acute Braids hair salon at College Lakes Plaza.  ”I live right down the street at the next intersection, but they had it blocked off.  It was frustrating because a detour would lead to another detour. I went through Spring Lake and seen lights out.  Nowhere to eat or get gas! It’s been a crazy day.”

North Regional Public Library had trees down and power outage as well.  Utility companies struggled to restore power to this area until 11am the next morning, leaving a dark, gloomy setting in the recently damaged communities.  The Kangaroo Express on Honeycutt Rd & McArthur Rd was bumper to bumper for refueling, even before power was restored.  Some camped out for service as many roads & stores were also closed in the area.

Sunday featured police officers helping to keep residents away from downed power lines and unsafe building structures.  Fire trucks were noticeable on Ramsey St and Andrews Rd.  Goodyear Tire Plant experienced hard hits as the lawn cluttered with debris. Crews were seen cleaning up the mess along the fence facing passing vehicles.

Pine Forest High School became an popular destination for photos.  Dozens of cars parked to take pictures while traffic slowed to gaze at the damage.  Sheriffs circled the parking lot warning sightseers of the lurking dangers.  Adjacent communities were astonishing as an entire side of homes were exposed, furniture intact.  Many two story homes had portions of their roof exposed.  Windows were busted, cars dented in driveways, and vinyl siding stripped from homes that were less than 10 years of age.

View our Pine Forest Senior High Photos of damage

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