Virginia Beach, Virginia Hit With EF3 Tornado

A state of emergency was declared in Virginia Beach, Virginia, after an EF3 tornado hit the city. The tornado struck the Great Neck area of the city around 6 p.m. on Sunday, causing significant damage.

According to the National Weather Service Wakefield, it was an EF3 tornado with estimated wind speeds of 140 to 150 mph. The path of the tornado was about 4.5 miles long, from the Eastern Branch of the Lynnhaven River to Fort Story. No deaths or injuries have been reported.

Emergency services were immediately dispatched, and the Virginia Beach Fire Department cleared major debris from roadways. Crews from Dominion Power and Virginia Natural Gas responded to gas leaks caused by the damage.

City officials estimate that nearly $16M in property damage was caused by the tornado. More than $15M of residential damage was estimated, along with public damage estimates over $700K.

City authorities have stated that a minimum of 115 structures have been damaged. In an update provided on Monday afternoon, it was revealed that out of these structures, nine homes were destroyed, and 36 have sustained significant damage that renders them unlivable. This is the first tornado of such intensity to strike Virginia Beach.