RICHMOND, Va. -- In response to Wednesday’s severe weather event, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has declared a state of emergency, as the storm continues to impact communities across the Commonwealth.
The declaration will enable public safety agencies including the Virginia National Guard, Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Virginia Department of Transportation to devote available resources to storm response and recovery.
McAuliffe and state emergency officials are closely monitoring the situation and are responding in support of local emergency management officials and first responders.
Wednesday the Commonwealth was impacted by severe thunderstorms along with high winds and several reported tornadoes.
The death total from the storms are now at four.
Virginia State Police said three people were killed and eight others suffered minor injuries after a reported tornado hit the town of Waverly in Sussex County Wednesday afternoon.
An Appomattox County man was found dead after his residence was destroyed by a reported funnel cloud that swept through the region of Evergreen and Red House.
There were seven injures in total in Appomattox County.
A possible tornado hit Essex County Wednesday evening, resulting in destroyed homes and people causing multiple injuries.
At least 30 structures were damaged, with 15 completely destroyed. A total of 25 injuries were reported, ranging from minor to serious. There are no confirmed fatalities, according to Virginia State Police.
McAuliffe urges all Virginians to take cover and closely monitor local news and weather for further instructions as this dangerous and volatile situation continues.
For more information on how to prepare click here.
