Virginia Beach Tornado Causes $15M in Residential Damage; No Reports of Injuries

The Virginia Beach community in southeastern Virginia was hit by a tornado on Sunday, April 30, just minutes before 6:00 pm.

City Manager Patrick Duhaney declared a state of emergency. Officials said there were no reported injuries but the tornado damaged homes and public properties.

The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado occurred in the Great Neck portion of the city. The path was approximately 4.5 miles long, from the Eastern Branch of the Lynnhaven River to Fort Story, with peak winds of 145 mph.

City officials estimate that the tornado caused more than $15 million in residential damage: nine homes destroyed; 36 with major damage making them uninhabitable; and more with significant damage. The public damage assessment estimate amounts to $731,000 to date. These estimates do not include JEB Little Creek/Fort Story damage.

Heavy rains throughout Sunday night contributed to localized flooding.

Great Neck Recreation Center was set up to serve residents impacted by the storm starting at 7 a.m.

City crews began picking up debris from public streets starting at 8 a.m. Monday.

Law enforcement agencies are trying to keep the Great Neck area limited to residents and clean-up crews.

The city’s Public Works Department advised residents to speak with their insurance agents 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 removal of the debris as well.

The city’s emergency website, emergency.vbgov.com, has updated information on impacted areas, road closures, programs and services. Cancellations and service changes will also be posted on this site.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm Virginia