Town Of Clayton Reports Possible Tornado Touchdown, Widespread Storm Damage

CLAYTON — The Town of Clayton is reporting a possible tornado touchdown Sunday afternoon after severe weather damaged homes, knocked down trees and power lines and disrupted traffic and rail service.

According to the Town of Clayton, preliminary reports indicate a possible tornado touched down within approximately 300 yards of Clayton Fire Station No. 2 on NC Highway 42 East between 1:20 and 1:30 p.m.

A tornado touchdown has not been officially confirmed.

Town officials said visible storm damage extended between the fire station and Front Street, with affected areas including Iris Street, Tulip Street, Clayton Boulevard (US 70) and the Walden community.

No injuries had been reported.

Fire Station No. 2 sustained no reported damage.

The town said at least one home near Clayton Boulevard and N.C. Highway 42 East was damaged when a tree fell onto the structure, breaking windows. Emergency personnel were checking on residents in the area.

Multiple trees and power lines were reported down. Power outages were reported from the Clayton Boulevard and N.C. Highway 42 East area toward Glen Laurel Road.

Traffic signals were out at Clayton Boulevard and N.C. Highway 42 East, Glen Laurel Road and N.C. Highway 42 East, and McKenzie Ridge Road and N.C. Highway 42 East.

Additional signal outages were reported along N.C. Highway 42 East toward Buffalo Road.

The Town of Clayton also reported fallen trees blocking railroad tracks, forcing train traffic to stop.

Earlier Sunday afternoon, Johnston County Emergency Services said crews had responded to several incidents involving downed trees and power lines and were coordinating with Clayton officials.

As of 2:30 p.m., Johnston County Emergency Services reported approximately 450 power outages across the county.

Clayton firefighters and other emergency personnel remained in the field Sunday afternoon checking homes, roadways and utility infrastructure.

Town officials said the full extent of the damage was still being determined.

The damage occurred while the Clayton area was under a tornado warning.

The Town of Clayton said additional assessments, potentially including a review by the National Weather Service, may determine whether a tornado touched down.

Residents were urged to avoid affected areas, stay away from downed trees and power lines and use caution at intersections where traffic signals are not working.

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This story has been updated