RICHMOND, Va. -- There was widespread damage in the city and surrounding counties as tropical storm force winds pummeled the area in Thursday's storm system.
Richmond and Henrico have the most power outages, and significant damage has made a mess of both communities. The already-struggling Richmond Public School system suffered significant damages to an estimated 10 buildings.
"As far as damage and impact we're looking at approximately $700,000 in debt capacity for a number of smaller issues at various schools in the district such as classrooms, roofs, HVAC, playground, etc.," said Kenita Bowers, the director of media and communications for the school system.
A giant oak tree fell on Mary Scott pre-kindergarten school off Laburnum and damaged the classroom inside.
It was the last day of school for many kids, in multiple counties across Central Virginia
"There is a blessing in this," said Dr. Johnnye Massenburg-Johnson, principal at Mary Scott. "The blessing is that it was the last day of school, so our children don't have to miss significant time out of school."
"But the biggest blessing is that no one was in the building, so no one was hurt," she added. "Everything that was damaged can be repaired or replaced."
The massive oak tree was being cut and pieces run through the wood chipper. Then the bulk of it would be hoisted off the school.
The most significant damage has been to Mary Scott, to the playground at Holton Elementary School, and a large, fallen tree caused fence damage at Ginter Park.
Insurance will cover the bulk of needed repairs, but officials confirmed there is a $100,000 deductible.
