Weather

Raleigh couple find Sanford computer supply box in yard

The box traveled about 60 miles from the Sanford business, which was hit by a tornado during Saturday's severe weather.

Posted โ€” Updated

RALEIGH, N.C. โ€” A Raleigh couple say a supply box filled with printer cartridges and items from a Sanford business landed in their front yard on Saturday afternoon.

โ€œWe just didn't think that much of it until we looked at the company,โ€ Pam Heath said.

The box traveled about 60 miles from the business in the Lemon Springs community, which was hit by a tornado during Saturdayโ€™s severe weather.

WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said it is unusual for a tornado to stay on the ground for more than a few minutes, much less 60 miles.

โ€œItโ€™s like this meandering trajectory of air through this storm and as it's doing that, it's carrying things along with it,โ€ Fishel said. โ€œWherever that trajectory takes it is where it lands.โ€

Fishel said strong winds from the tornado can pull objects to a high altitude, where the winds can be stronger and faster.

The winds were strong enough to pick up Beth Popeโ€™s high school yearbook in Sanford and drop it 30 miles away in Cary.

Pope was reunited with the book on Wednesday.

"I am surprised it's still intact," she said.

After WRAL News reported on Popeโ€™s yearbook, tips came in from four more people who found Popeโ€™s belongings in their yards. The items, which included bank statements and certificates, were found in Raleigh, Cary, Youngsville and Wake Forest.

All are working to return the items.

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โ€ขย Credits

Tara Lynn, Reporter
Pete James, Photographer
Kathy Hanrahan, Web Editor

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