WILMINGTON, N.C.  — A deadly tornado fueled by a major winter storm struck a coastal North Carolina community just before midnight, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Three people are confirmed dead and at least ten were injured.

Brunswick County Emergency Management Director Ed Conrow tells CBS 17 the tornado hit the Ocean Ridge Plantation community near Ocean Isle Beach in the Seaside area. Several homes were ripped from their foundations and destroyed while others were heavily damaged. Many trees were snapped in half.

Conrow said because the tornado developed so quickly, people got the warning just after it touched down. He said many people were in bed and didn’t have a chance to take cover, calling the tornado a “very scary situation.”

Conrow said they are sweeping through the area to search the destruction for any additional injuries or deaths. Brunswick County Emergency Services, including multiple fire and law enforcement agencies, are on scene assessing damages and working to clear debris from roads.

Brunswick County Sheriff John W. Ingram said all of those reported as missing have been accounted for but says they want to make certain there are no more injuries or fatalities.

Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation said thousands of people lost electricity.