Severe storm rips through North Lawrence area causing damages and power outages

LAWRENCE COUNTY – The severe weather that came through the area has caused multiple outages across Bedford and Oolitic.

Reports of funnel clouds were shared by many throughout the area as well as videos as to what appeared to be a tornado, though the City of Bedford and Bedford Police have not officially confirmed any tornado touching down in the city.

Duke Energy reported at 6:46 p.m. that over 2,000 homes and businesses were dealing with power outages, and the national weather service put the area in a tornado warning that lasted through 7:30 p.m.

Damages throughout the area were shared across social media, including the Bedford Rural King, as well as damage around 8th and X streets, as well as 5th Street and Lincoln Avenue.

Power outages as of 9:15 p.m. on April 13th

Duke Energy was able to restore power to most of the homes affected by the storm by 8:57 p.m., while some areas were still without power. Duke Energy estimated full power to those affected by 1:45 a.m.

Photo of the storm near M Street. Courtesy of Cynthaney Hignite

WBIW will provide updates to this story as more information becomes available.