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WINDSOR –Bertie County officials have issued a preliminary report of the property damage caused by the impact of Hurricane Isaias, which included a tornado that killed two local residents.

As a result of that tornado – determined as an EF-3, with winds between 140-145 mph, by the National Weather Service – 26 residences were totally destroyed, most of which were m Cedar Landing community of the county (Woodard Road, Morning Road, Middle Tract Road, Old Gum Lane, and Spruce Lane).

A spokesperson for Bertie local government said this particular community, “is one of the poorest areas in our county.”

Additionally there are eight homes still standing, but deemed unsafe for occupancy, in the same general, resulting in more displaced families.

“We need to know who was displaced, where they are currently taking shelter, and what their immediate needs are so that we can arrange with the state and community organizations to make sure our citizens most impacted have what they need during this recovery phase,” Bertie Emergency Services Director Mitch Cooper said Thursday.

Those who have been displaced are being urgently asked to call the Storm Recovery Hotline at (252) 794-6144. If the phone lines are busy, citizens are asked to keep trying until their information is personally received by a live staff member.

The exact number is unknown of those currently displaced by the storm. Some have found temporary shelter with family members while others are at local motels, housed through a disaster relief program offered by the American Red Cross.

There are an additional 165+ homes across the county that received some type of damage, but still livable, during the hurricane/tornado. Those homes are located in the general area of the Cedar Landing community, as well as Spruill Park Lane, Bud’s Lane, Tarheel Road, Church Street in Kelford, and along US 13/17 South.

Cashie Country Club of Windsor lost numerous trees during the tornado that spun off the hurricane.

Several disaster relief teams are currently in Bertie, assisting with food preparation and debris clean-up. Other than the Red Cross, those groups include the North Carolina Baptist Men, the Methodist Men, Samaritan’s Purse, and Team Rubicon.

A Morning Road Tornado Relief Fund has been set up for victims of the tornado, as well as Tropical Storm Isaias, at the Self-Help Credit Union branch located at 302 W. Granville Street, Windsor, NC 27983. All donations will provide storm victims with food, temporary housing, and personal assistance, and will be administered by Bertie County.

Donations can be made to the Relief Fund via PayPal by going to paypal.me/BertieStrong. A donation button is also available on Bertie County’s website.

Donations to the Relief Fund may also be dispersed by mail to the branch directly, or to Bertie County, ATTN: Morning Road Tornado Relief Fund, PO Box 530, Windsor, NC 27983.

In addition, the Baptist on a Mission organization will be feeding storm victims hot meals, drive thru style, beginning Saturday, Aug. 8 through Friday, Aug. 14 at the county’s point of distribution site at Cedar Landing Baptist Church located at 426 Cedar Landing Road, Windsor, NC 27983. Lunches will be served from 12 noon until 1 pm and dinner will be served from 5:30-6:30 pm.