On the evening of June 13th, 1998, Dare County North Carolina was hit by a severe thunderstorm. At 1800 hrs, the National Weather Service out of Newport, NC issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. Unfortunately, this was also about the same time that I went on duty at the Detention Center in Manteo. The cell was moving Southeasterly at approximately 25 mph. Winds were clocked around 30 mph. Unknown what gusts got up to. The eastern edge of the cell hit Manteo at 1830 and produced a wonderful show of lightning. The rec yard had to be closed early due to the fear of inmate's safety. At 1835 I was given the oppertunity to walk out in the rec yard to view the storm. It was magnificent. A ongoing barrage of CC, CG, and CW lightning filled the air with intense white light. It was difficult telling which way the storm was moving, due to the fact that different layers of clouds were moving in different directions due to the shear. Visible off to the west were some beautiful Mammatus clouds. I was hoping to be able to stay outside and continue to watch the show, but I was called back inside(they probably figured if I didn't come in soon, I wouldn't be coming in at all). The fierce show of lightning continued for quite awhile, knocking out power several times. Then at 1920 hrs, a lightning strike knocked out the power, computers, cable, and control panels in the D.C. Power was restored when the generator kicked in, but computers and control panels were still out. Must have been a very close hit! By 2130, all was back in order.
Back at E.N.C.S.C. HQ, there was a tornado that was reported to have touched down about 2 miles from home. I have not been able to confirm this yet, before heading home from work I drove the area where it was supposed to have touched down but have seen no visible evidence that there was a touchdown. I have been unable to get a hold of Army or L.B. at this time to find out if they did any chasing during this storm. Will update this when I find out......WindRunner
