EF3 Tornado Strikes Virginia Beach, Hundreds of Homes Damaged
A powerful EF3 tornado ripped through Virginia Beach on Sunday, causing extensive damage to at least 100 homes and prompting a state of emergency declaration (CNN). The National Weather Service confirmed the event, which led to school closures and prompted cleanup efforts throughout the affected communities (The New York Times).
The tornado touched down in the Great Neck area of Virginia Beach, resulting in major storm damage (WAVY.com). The city declared a local state of emergency as a response to the destruction (13NEWSNOW.com), with the EF3 rating placing the tornado among the highest levels of severity (CBS News). In addition to the widespread property damage, the storm also downed trees and caused gas leaks (AP News).
As the city began the cleanup process, below-average temperatures and rain were expected in some regions (USA Today). Over 100 homes were assessed to be damaged, and more than 2,000 utility customers were briefly without power during the event (NBC News). Virginia Beach officials held a news conference and provided a tour of the tornado damage to help residents understand the extent and the impact on their city (WTKR).
