Virginia

Ivy-Mechums River, VA F3 Tornado – September 30, 1959

One of the most devastating tornadoes to ever hit the state of Virginia was spawned by Hurricane Gracie on September 30, 1959. The twister tracked through a part of Albemarle County west of Charlottesville and east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This summary provides a detailed analysis of discrepancies in the path and the number of tornadoes to hit this day. It also focuses on the tragedy near Ivy. In mere seconds, ten members of one family lost their lives.

By Jen Narramore-Nelson Tucker-Nick Wilkes, ago

Groundhog Mountain, VA F1 Tornado – August 1, 1965

A quick-hitting tornado struck in the dead of night along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Groundhog Mountain, VA, on August 1, 1965. Newspapers reported the event as “tornado-like,” but it did officially hit the records as a twister, rated F1. Numerous trees were mowed down, and one family in their new mobile home found themselves in harm’s way.

By Jen Narramore, ago

Fulks Run-Basye, VA EF2 Tornado- April 28, 2011

During the early morning hours of April 28, 2011, five tornadoes ripped across the Shenandoah Valley. This summary looks at the strongest, an EF2, that snaked along a 37.6 mile path across Rockingham and Shenandoah Counties. It caused heavy damage near Basye and injured two people. Check out this premium summary by becoming a member!

By Nick Wilkes, ago

Halifax County, VA EF2 Tornado – April 27, 2011

A tornado skipped through north-central Halifax County, VA, crossing into extreme western Charlotte County. It remained in rural areas but caused major damage along Liberty Road near Nathalie. One person was killed, and seven others were injured as the tornado decimated three trailers.

By Nick Wilkes, ago

Glade Spring, VA EF3 Tornado – April 28, 2011

One of the worst tornadoes in Virginia history tore through the Appalachian Mountains and a thriving country town. At a maximum width of 2,320 yards (1.32 miles), it is by far the widest the state has ever seen and wreaked havoc across a 24-mile path. More than a remarkable meteorological event for the region, this twister reshaped hundreds of lives, particularly in the community of Glade Spring.

By Jen Narramore-Nelson Tucker-Nick Wilkes, ago

Stanardsville, VA F2 Tornado – September 17, 2004

38 tornadoes tore across parts of Virginia on September 17, 2004 – the largest outbreak in state history. This was the result of Hurricane Ivan. While officially an F2, the Stanardsville tornado was likely the strongest and widest not just that day but ever in its immediate region. It also traversed mountains over 2,000 feet in elevation. Check out this premium summary by becoming a member!

By Nelson Tucker, ago

Petersburg, VA F4 Tornado – August 6, 1993

18 tornadoes ravaged Virginia on the Afternoon of August 6, 1993. This summary looks at the most violent tornado, an F4 that hit Petersburg. Old Towne Petersburg and a large shopping center in Colonial Heights were demolished. Three women were killed in the destruction of a Walmart. The tornado caused $47.5 million in damage, the costliest in Virginia history.

By Nick Wilkes, ago

Stuarts Draft, VA F2 Tornado – November 29, 1963

There was one tornado confirmed on November 29, 1963. It was a small, quick-hitting twister that hit on a Friday afternoon just east of Stuart Draft, VA. A new house under construction was nearly leveled. Portions of the roof was carried 75 feet. Two other roofs of two others homes were torn away.

By Jen Narramore, ago

You cannot copy content of this page