---

The Weather Service says it hasn't completely ruled out the idea that the storm that hit Cherryville on Tuesday may have included a tornado, but after their visit to Cherryville on Wednesday,  they're calling it a 'super cell,' and believe that most of the wind was straight line, mostly downward.   Such downbursts are the result of air that sinks rapidly to the surface. These “bursts” of air then hit the ground, which results in the spreading out of that area in a 360-degree pattern--much like an explosion.

The Cherryville Chamber of Commerce hosted a news conference Wednesday afternoon. Mayor H.L. Beam called Tuesday's storm "the closest thing I've seen to Hurricane Hugo."  Beam said first responders answered nearly a hundred calls.  A state of emergency was declared and residents were urged Tuesday evening to stay at home even if they had no power, which was true of most homes, due to fallen power lines and trees and limbs as well as other debris blocking many roads.

On Thursday, the four schools that were closed Wednesday--Cherryville Elementary, W. Blaine Beam Intermediate, John Chavis Middle, and Cherryville High – will all remain closed Thursday (May 18th) for students and employees. All activities at the schools on Thursday are canceled.  They're hoping to be able to have the four schools open Friday; however, a decision about school on Friday will not be made until Thursday evening. All testing scheduled at the four schools will be delayed until Monday.

Mayor Beam said over 50 businesses were damaged and most remained closed Wednesday including the local funeral home.  Beam said nearly a hundred calls were answered by first responders.  For those who were unable to stay in their homes, a shelter was opened at Shady Grove Baptist Church on Tryon Courthouse Road.  

While most streets were cleared of large debris on Wednesday, many homes and businesses were still without power.  The cleanup will continue Thursday.  Amazingly, there was only one known serious injury from the storm, and that man, who suffered a broken jaw and a head injury, was treated and released by the hospital.

The Cherryville High baseball game that got postponed will be played at Fraley Field at 5 PM Thursday.  The left field fence at the ball park was blown down but they got it back up Wednesday.  The game will be carried on WCSL Radio (1590AM, 92.9FM) and online at ktcbroadcasting.com.  Thanks to Calvin Hastings for the update.

---

---