CORDOVA — On Tuesday evening an unexpected hailstorm made its way through Cordova.
The National Weather Service issued a Flashflood Warning for Richmond County around 7:30p.m. This was followed by heavy rain and a hailstorm in the Cordova area that lasted for only a matter of minutes; however, the damage left in its wake has residents questioning if the storm was something more.
Some described it as tornado-like winds, as winds appeared to abruptly shift direction while the lights flickered and hail began to fall. Residents of Snead Mill Road, along with the surrounding areas, were left without power until about 9:00pm.
Tree limbs and other damages were discovered later Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning. One Cordova family had a pecan tree uprooted from their front yard, while neighbors and other residents had trees scattered throughout their property.
Richmond Observer photographer Harold Dawkins said that most of the damage started on the South side of U.S. Highway 1 and traveled as far as the west side of Zion Church Road.
The heavy rain caused a single vehicle wreck on the Highway 74 Bypass on Tuesday evening.
The driver told the Highway Patrol that the rain caused her to hydroplane and collide with the median cables. She was transported by Richmond First Health EMS to the hospital with minor injuries.
Another single-vehicle accident occurred the Wednesday morning on the Hwy 74 Bypass. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the traffic control until the NC Hwy Patrol arrived on scene.
Both accidents are still being investigated.
