Preliminary damage survey results confirm the touchdown of a tornado in the Flat Springs community near Beech Mountain. The EF1 tornado occurred in the early morning hours of August 15, with estimated peak winds of 105 miles per hour. The tornado traveled a path length of 2.59 miles and caused damage to numerous trees. Thankfully, no injuries or deaths were reported from the tornado. The tornado was part of a line of strong storms that passed through the area, bringing lightning, heavy rains, and strong winds. Multiple Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued by the National Weather Service prior to the tornado touchdown.