LUCAMA, N.C. (WNCN) – A Wilson County middle school is prepping to fully reopen Monday morning, after a devastating tornado tore through Lucama more than a year ago.
“You can see where the tornado came through the trees,” neighbor Brendan Hurley points out.
Hurley remembers the EF-3 tornado like it was yesterday.
“You could just hear it coming and I just grabbed my wife, my daughter, and the dog, and everyone got in the pantry shut the door and it was over like that,” Hurley said.
He says it only lasted 30 seconds, but the August 8, 2024, tornado left a path of destruction.
Photo courtesy: Brendan Hurley
“Just total chaos is what it was,” Hurley said.
Twisted metal from what he believes was Springfield Middle School was scattered across his yard as he lives across the street.
Families, neighbors and volunteers pick up destruction from Wilson Co. EF-3 tornado
The twister took out the sixth and seventh-grade wings of the school as the roof and walls were destroyed.
Fast forward more than a year, and the school is ready to welcome back students into the classrooms.
“The guys over there all day long, you see them just working and working and working,” Hurley said.
He’s been watching the progress from his front porch and says he is not surprised that the opening is ahead of schedule.
Photo courtesy: Brendan Hurley
“Seeing all the trucks going in and out of here and all the workers. A lot of them are working overnights,” Hurley said.
Wilson County District Officials say in a statement:
“This moment represents more than just new walls and classrooms — it’s a celebration of resilience and community.”
Classes will begin at 8:30 a.m. Monday.
