RICHMOND, Va. – One woman lost three family members in Waverly during a storm system that spawned a tornado outbreak on Feb. 24 – an unusual time for such a powerful event. Churches, homes, and businesses were destroyed. Residents have been displaced and schools are closed as clean up ensues, a process expected to take weeks.
There are multiple efforts underway to help the residents of the three counties hit the hardest by reported tornadoes.
Reported tornado damage in Waverly (SOURCE; Reporter Jon Burkett)
The National Weather Service confirmed that at 2:31 p.m. Wednesday, an EF1 tornado hit the tiny town of Waverly. The storm then moved through Appomattox County, striking at 3:30 p.m. and leaving at least seven people injured and one dead. Roughly 45 homes have been destroyed.
While not confirmed tornadoes yet, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the storm passed through Essex County and the town of Tappahannock. At least 30 structures were damaged, with 15 completely destroyed. A total of 25 injuries reported, ranging from minor to serious. There are no confirmed fatalities.
People are in need of nonperishable items, household items, clothing, feminine products, diapers, and water.
RICHMOND
Bill Talley Ford off Mechanicsville Turnpikehas teamed up with other local vendors to deliver much-needed supplies and necessities to the people of Tappahannock. They are taking bottled water, canned goods, non-perishable food items and paper goods which will be used at the shelter that has been set up at Essex Intermediate School. NO clothing or blanket donations at this time. If you would like to donate any of these items, please drop them off at Bill Talley Ford, Inc. 6280 Mechanicsville Turnpike Monday - Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Shell station in Stoney Creek will be accepting donations that Girl Scout Troop 349 will be picking up to deliver to families in Waverly.
EVB Bank branches will serve as drop off location to collect supplies such as:
• bottled water
• non-perishable food items
• cleaning supplies (trash bags, rakes, gloves etc.)
• toiletries
• clothing
• monetary donations (checks payable to the American Red Cross, make sure to specify Tappahannock Tornado Relief Fund or Waverly Tornado Relief Fund.)
For any questions, please contact your nearest EVB branch. For a list of our branch locations, please visit https://www.bankevb.com/about-us/about-evb.html
WAVERLY
A command center has been established at the Fresh Pride, alongside Hardees, at the 233 South County Drive Building A.
A contact person will be there until 6 or 7 p.m. each night to accept donations. Contact CBS 6 if you need their number. Items are being catalogued and currently there is not a need for clothes. There is a need for nonperishable items, household items, and water.
Monetary donations can be made through the Sussex County Treasurer, just specify “Disaster Relief.”
Sussex County Treasurer
PO Box 1399
Sussex, VA 23884
(434) 246-1087
The Dinwiddie Co. Sheriff’s Office is also taking donations for Waverly at their Sheriff’s Office, 14230 Sycamore Drive. You can also contact them at 804-929-2283 or 804-943-1653 or contact through Facebook.
APPOMATTOX
A command center has been established at Liberty Baptist Church and residents are in need of nonperishable items, household items, clothing, feminine products, diapers, and water.
1709 Church St, Appomattox, VA 24522
(434) 352-2336
The county administrator’s office is assessing need for monetary donations at this time. Their contact info is (434) 352 2637.
ESSEX COUNTY/TAPPAHANNOCK
A command center has been established at the old Southern States, at 1616 Tappahannock Blvd. Residents are in need of nonperishable items, household items, clothing, feminine products, diapers, and water.
A person will be there to receive items daily, until around 5 p.m.
Monetary donations are being accepted through the American Red Cross, just specify Essex County Tornado.
CBS 6 will be hosting a phone bank beginning tonight at 5 p.m. Thursday. We will be teaming up with the Red Cross to help raise money for those impacted in yesterday's storms. That number to call will be (804) 254 3601.
