I saw the storm on radar as it was happening, it was a small but intense isolated supercell far separated from any line. Tornado warned across multiple counties at a time for its entire lifespan with very strong circulation signature on radar. I might pull some grabs down from the NCDC archives tonight if I have time.
The extensive debris field in the photos appears to be deceptive as far as the tornado strength is concerned. The damaged structures looked like they were mosty light, fragile and easily obliterated (mostly trailers). Many of the cars still had most of their windows intact even though some were rolled over. Little or no ground scouring or mud caking. Aside from the damage to the one brick facade house, I think this will probably fall in the high end F2 range.
The casualties were surely a result of no warning reception via siren or NWR, the weak structures, the time of year and the time of day of the event. Few people think tornadoes can happen then and much less in North Carolina. A sad story as there was plenty of warning (SPC tornado risk outlined in advance, tornado watch in effect and tornado warning), but nothing in place there for the people to receive it.
