DELCO, N.C. — A National Weather Service storm survey has confirmed that an EF1 tornado touched down near Delco on Saturday afternoon, carving a narrow but damaging path through a rural stretch of Columbus County.
Meteorologists with the NWS Wilmington office say the tornado formed at 3:23 p.m. along Delco School Road, where crews found snapped trees and downed power lines marking the start of a 1.38‑mile track. Winds were estimated between 90 and 100 miles per hour, consistent with mid‑range EF1 intensity.
The tornado then moved east‑northeast, striking McPherson’s Acme General Store on Old Stage Road. Survey teams reported that a metal awning was ripped from the building, with debris slamming into a 500‑gallon propane tank and causing a fuel leak. No ignition occurred, and emergency crews quickly secured the scene.
Damage became more significant as the tornado approached the 1200 block of Fertilizer Road, where three structures — including two single‑family homes — sustained major roof damage. A large oak tree was also uprooted before the tornado dissipated around 3:26 p.m., just over three minutes after forming.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Columbus County Emergency Management assisted with the survey, and officials say the quick response from first responders helped prevent secondary hazards, especially at the propane leak site.
The NWS notes that all findings are preliminary and may be updated once the event is entered into Storm Data, the agency’s official severe weather archive.
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