ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Two weak tornadoes touched down in Madison County during a line of severe storms that swept across Western North Carolina on March 16, according to the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg.
Survey teams confirmed both tornadoes were rated EF-0, the lowest level on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with peak winds between 75 and 80 mph. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The first tornado touched down just south of Mars Hill around 7:11 a.m. along Interstate 26. It traveled less than half a mile, snapping tree branches and uprooting a few trees before lifting a minute later.
A second tornado formed about four miles east of Mars Hill at 7:15 a.m., carving a path of more than two miles toward the Barnardsville area. Officials said the storm downed and snapped multiple trees before dissipating near Chestnut Mountain.
The tornadoes were part of a larger severe weather event that moved through the mountains early that morning, bringing straight-line winds and brief spin-ups across the region.
The same system also produced storm damage outside Western North Carolina, including straight-line winds in Gaffney, South Carolina, and an EF-0 tornado in Charlotte.
Meteorologists said the Madison County tornadoes were relatively short-lived and weak, but still capable of causing localized damage, particularly to trees.
The National Weather Service noted the findings are preliminary and may be updated as additional data is reviewed.