Severe weather strikes at a popular beach in North Carolina, as reported by authorities.
News Article: EF-0 Tornado Hits Holden Beach, North Carolina
On Thursday, August 15, 2025, an EF-0 tornado touched down near Holden Beach, North Carolina, at approximately 5:45 p.m. local time. The tornado, initially spotted as a waterspout off the coast of Ocean Isle Beach, moved onshore at Holden Beach.
The tornado was relatively brief, lasting for a tenth of a mile and around 50 yards wide. The peak wind speed reached 55 miles per hour. Despite its strength, the tornado caused only minor damage. Several palm trees were affected, and pieces of beach furniture were tossed around. Fortunately, the tornado dissipated over the dune line, and no injuries were reported.
The National Weather Service classified this tornado as an EF-0, which typically has wind gusts between 65-85 mph. The tornado was a component of a tornadic thunderstorm, which usually triggers severe weather alerts or warnings. However, specific details about the warnings issued before the event are not available in the search results.
It's worth noting that Holden Beach, one of the southernmost beaches in North Carolina, attracts thousands of visitors each summer. Despite the tornado, the beach remained open and operational, and no evacuation orders were issued.
In a separate incident, there was a lightning strike at Sewer Lift Station 4, but this event was not related to the tornado itself.
The tornado was reported by WBTV and Gray News. The exact duration of the tornado's presence on the ground is not clearly stated in the available information. However, the tornado warning was issued shortly before the tornado made landfall at Holden Beach.
Holden Beach, with its pristine beaches and vibrant summer atmosphere, continues to be a popular destination for many, even after this minor weather event. The community is resilient and is working to ensure the safety and comfort of its visitors and residents.
The tornado that hit Holden Beach, North Carolina, on August 15, 2025, was a meteorological phenomenon researched under environmental science, as it was a component of a tornadic thunderstorm. The weather conditions, including the tornado, triggered severe weather alerts or warnings.
Although the tornado was classified as an EF-0, which has wind gusts typically between 65-85 mph, its peak wind speed reached 55 miles per hour, affecting several palm trees and pieces of beach furniture. The United States National Weather Service issued a tornado warning before the event, ensuring the preparedness of the community.
