RICHMOND, Va. – The ages of the four people killed as at least seven tornadoes slammed Virginia ranged from 2 years old to a 78 years old. All four of the deceased were in a mobile home at the time the tornadoes hit, and all were ejected and later found outside.
A fifth death was under investigation Thursday afternoon, a Virginia State Police spokeswoman said.
There were multiple injuries across the state, with the highest concentration of injuries occurring in Tappahannock.
Waverly tornado damage
Town of Waverly
In Waverly, at 2:31 p.m., an EF- 1 tornado struck a mobile home on Maifield Avenue, killing three people. All three were found approximately 300 yards from the mobile home.
The deceased have been identified as Larry D. Turner, 50; Devine J. Springfield, 26, and Ian T. Lewis, 2. The 30-year-old woman who survived is the mother of the 2-year-old and she remains hospitalized," according to Virginia State Police. Seven other people were hurt in Waverly.
“I was at work when I got a call that a tornado was hitting Waverly,” said Pastor Terrence L. Green of Empowerment Temple Ministries.
“It took the wind out me,” he said. The front of the buildings sustained extensive damage, but that was not why Green’s heart was broken.
“We’re not worried about the damage, our prayers go out to the family that lost their lives, the Turner family.” “We just thank God that despite the damage the church is still standing.”
“We are going to recover,” he added.
Anyone needing assistance in the vicinity of Waverly because of yesterday’s storm, or who would like to volunteer to help, or wants to provide donations can contact the Sussex County Housing Office at 804-834-1302.
A command center has been established at the Fresh Pride, alongside Hardees, at the 233 South County Drive Building A.
Appomattox County
Drone shot of Appomattox destruction (Photos courtesy of Southside Electric Cooperative)
An EF-3 tornado with winds estimated between 136 and 165 mph barreled through Appomattox County Wednesday at 3:29 p.m.
One man was killed in the Evergreen community of Appomattox County. Edward K. Harris, 78, was thrown from his mobile home when the tornado struck. His wife was among seven people injured in Appomattox during the storm.
Five of the injured in Appomattox were treated and released. Two people were still hospitalized as of Thursday afternoon.
"All residents in Appomattox County are accounted for and there have been no additional injuries," the spokesperson said. "The county and local residents are spending the day recovering and retrieving their belongings from the 20 homes destroyed in Appomattox County. At least 100 structures suffered damage as a result of the tornado that cut an 8 to 10 mile swath of destruction along Route 460 and through the communities of Evergreen and Red House."
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
John Wynder lost two houses in Tappahannock, but he and his family were safe.
Residents in Essex described hearing the classic terrifying train sound before a EF-3 tornado barreled through Tappahannock at speeds of 140 mph.
Twenty-five people were hurt when the storm hit between 6:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesday night. Someone of the injuries were considered life threatening.
NWS Storm Survey determined a long-track tornado of 28 miles traveled from the Middle Peninsula to Northern Neck affecting King and Queen, Essex, Richmond and Westmoreland counties.
Most of the damage was rated EF-1 and EF-2 with its peak intensity of EF-3 occurring on Kino Road in Essex County where three modular homes were destroyed.
The tornado had an average width of 200 yards with a max width of 400 to 500 yards.
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.
Power outages were highest in the Northern Neck area, and thousands remained without power well into Thursday.
Cleanup is expected to take weeks, maybe months in some cases.
Shenandoah County
The Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the possible death of an elderly female whose vehicle was swept away Thursday morning (Feb. 25) in rising floodwaters from a swollen creek, according to Virginia State Police.
