VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The City of Virginia Beach has declared a local state of emergency after a tornado moved through the area Sunday night.
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VB EF-3 tornado spans over 4.5 miles in 5 minutes, damaging about 115 homes
Virginia Beach City Manager Declares Local State of Emergency Following Severe Storm System and TornadoMORE INFO: https://t.co/ELxaiBUVZz pic.twitter.com/0TO9Ypscc4
— Virginia Beach (@CityofVaBeach) May 1, 2023
City officials said more than 100 homes had been damaged.
Much of the damage has been reported in the area of River Road and N. Great Neck Road. It also includes Upper Chelsea Reach and Haversham Close.
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PHOTOS & VIDEOS: Show moments after tornado left damage in Virginia Beach
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Monday photos, video show aftermath of the Virginia Beach EF-3 tornado
Fire officials said damage reports included downed trees, roof collapses, and gas leaks.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Virginia Natural Gas responded to several homes with gas leaks, and Dominion Power was also responding with crews.
"Great Neck Recreation Center, 2521 Shorehaven Drive, will be closed to the general public tomorrow, May 1, and will continue to serve exclusively to residents impacted by the storm starting at 7 a.m. Residents are encouraged to bring comfort items," the city said.
The city said Great Neck Road will remain closed between Cox High School and the bridge at Adam Keeling Road until further notice to allow for emergency and debris management work to occur.
Crews will be out at 8 a.m. Monday to start cleaning up streets. Residents who have trees that are contained entirely on their private property are responsible for their removal. Public Works recommends that residents speak with their insurance regarding coverage and deductibles before securing quotes or contracting with private tree removal companies. If residents use a private tree removal service, the contractor secured is responsible for the removal of the debris as well.
For more information go to this link: https://emergency.vbgov.com/tornado
The severe weather forced Something in the Water organizers to cancel Sunday's performances.
Following several calls & meetings today with the National Weather Service, festival organizers & in consultation with our emergency management leadership, the City has made the decision to cancel evening festival activity on Sunday, April 30: https://t.co/1KPO9QyTFr+
This is a developing story. Stay with News 3 for the latest.
