The devastating tornadoes that slashed through High Point, Davidson County and the Triad Sunday evening damaged more than 100 homes throughout our local area alone, dozens of them perhaps beyond repair.

As the EF3 tornado with 136-plus mph winds spun through the skies and residential areas of north High Point, it left a path of torn and twisted trees, downed power lines and scars that will take days and weeks and months to heal.

Many fine things were damaged or lost, some likely even irreplaceable, precious family heirlooms. But nothing – absolutely nothing – was more precious than the lives that were spared. In High Point and throughout this area, only a few minor injuries were reported as a result of this powerful force of nature, the strongest tornadoes reported in the Piedmont Triad area in 12 years.

Area residents who were in the path of the tornadoes and who were only pounded by the storm’s heavy rains and high winds were fortunate. Similar storm conditions in the past have been deadly.

This area is additionally fortunate to have the quality of individuals, emergency services and public servants that it has. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of people went into action to help their neighbors in distress. Such a display in human caring makes us proud.

But still, we must remain on guard for those who might come here to prey upon those suffering. When vulnerable people need help, there always are unscrupulous people ready to try to take advantage. Let’s weather this storm, too.