Storm damages buildings on Bragg, base closed

[Rocket1972]

Nasty set of storms that swept through yesterday.

Staff report
Posted : Sunday Apr 17, 2011 8:56:38 EDT

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Fort Bragg was closed late Saturday except for key and essential personnel after severe weather damaged buildings and cut off power to the installation.

There are no reports of loss of life or significant injuries on post, according to a news release posted to Fort Bragg’s Facebook page. Power was not expected to be restored to the base until at least noon Sunday. Progress Energy utility crews were working to restore power.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

• ‘Major damage’ from tornado reported near Bragg (April 16)

Multiple access points onto Fort Bragg were closed to outbound traffic, including Reilly and Yadkin roads. Though open, Bragg Boulevard remained covered with storm debris.

Womack Army Medical Center had sufficient backup power to support medical operations, the release stated.

The North and South Post commissaries and post exchanges will remain closed until power is restored. The Smoke Bomb Hill shoppette and gas stations will remain open. All other gas stations and shoppettes on post will be closed.

Religious services and Sunday Brunch for April 17 are cancelled. Residents were cautioned to inspect all food before consuming it as food may spoil after several hours without refrigeration.

Fort Bragg will remain closed until power is restored to the installation.

The spring storm raged across North Carolina on Saturday, flattening businesses, flipping cars and destroying homes, leaving at least four dead from a system already blamed for killing 17 people in four states.

The death toll was likely to rise. North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue said there were fatalities in four counties but would not confirm an exact number, saying officials wanted to wait until Sunday morning.

Perdue said the 62 tornadoes were the most since March 1984, when a storm system spawned 22 twisters in the Carolinas, killing 57 people — 42 in North Carolina — and injuring hundreds.

This year’s spring storm was easily the deadliest of the season.

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[fstroupe]

My grandson's unit is on block leave. Lucky them.

[brothers all]

Just thankful no one hurt there.

[Gun-Toting Diplomat]

One of my guys lost a truck and a few windows in his house. Thankfully the worst suffered was a little bit of glass in the kids skin that was easily removed. Made for an interesting time with guys trying to call back to the rear to make sure their families were okay.

[Sgt.Raven]

One of my guys lost a truck and a few windows in his house. Thankfully the worst suffered was a little bit of glass in the kids skin that was easily removed. Made for an interesting time with guys trying to call back to the rear to make sure their families were okay.

Hey Brother,
I was thinking of you and guys downrange.
We're closer to your homes than you are at the moment, so consider ringing the bell if need arise (hopefully not!).
Stay safe and worry free.