HILDEBRAN, NC (WBTV) – The sound of hammers could be heard Thursday in the neighborhoods in Burke County that bore the brunt of tornadoes that ripped though the area five weeks ago.
Roofers were busy, framers were too as warm weather swept through the area. "It's a beautiful day" said James Robinson, as he worked on the front roof of a friend's mobile home.
Bad weather is a major handicap to construction crews and there has been a mix of that recently.
In just the past week the area has been hit by rain, thunderstorms, sleet, snow, freezing weather and temperatures Thursday in the mid-70's. "Weirdest weather I've ever seen," said Robinson.
Down the road, several men with Clonninger Construction were busy rebuilding a roof that was torn off by the tornado.
Larry Creed was helping out. His home was among those damaged by the storm. This warmer weather is helping people do more of the work they need to do he said. "We will get a lot done if it holds out."
More than 130 homes were damaged or destroyed by the storm and the cleanup and rebuilding is expected to last well into the summer.
With March just a few days away, some people said they are concerned. March has been known for heavy snows, heat waves, and tornadoes.
That is the more common time of year for twisters in the Carolinas. It's why Shelby Dellinger, who lost his home in the January storm, is still worried. "I don't want no more of those tornadoes" he said.
