Severe Weather Impacts Catawba County, Shelter Opened
As a result of severe weather passing through Catawba County Tuesday, multiple homes were damaged in a mobile home park located on Evening Drive in Claremont, N.C. One fatality occurred and four individuals with injuries were transported from the scene. The person that died as a result of yesterday’s weather event has been identified as Dustin Ray Weaver, a 39-year-old white male resident of Claremont. Of the four individuals who were transported from the scene, three were discharged with minor injuries and one remains hospitalized.
Storm recovery efforts are continuing Wednesday across Catawba County. The National Weather Service is surveying the area of Evening Drive and Cindi Lane in Claremont today to determine if a tornado occurred. An update from the National Weather Service will be provided later today.
Catawba County will begin conducting damage assessments today to determine the impact of the storm.
Current road closures in the county include Old Catawba Road in Claremont and Crestview Drive in Newton. Catawba County has closed the lower parking lot and observation platform at Riverbend Park due to flooding from the Catawba River.
Additional impacts from today’s storm include localized flooding, downed trees and power lines, isolated structural damage, and power outages in various parts of the county. Approximately 30 people have been displaced from their homes.
In response, Catawba County is relocating affected residents to a temporary shelter set up at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 3180 W. Main St. in Claremont. The shelter is open for residents who have been relocated due to the storm. The shelter is staffed by County personnel and American Red Cross volunteers and is providing cots, blankets, restrooms, and food.
Residents seeking shelter at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church are advised to bring the following:
• Medications and related medical supplies
• Personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• A change of clothes
• Food if you have special food needs
• A pillow and blanket if you prefer to use your own
Residents with questions about shelter accommodations may call (828) 465-8355.