The historic tornado outbreak in Richmond left death and destruction in its wake.
As the aftermath of Hurricane Florence spawns unusual weather conditions across the state, yesterday Richmond-area residents found themselves in the path of a tornado. Actually, more than one.
In a historic outbreak, several tornadoes touched down near the Richmond region of Virginia after 3 p.m. on Monday, September 17. The tornadoes left dozens of trees downed, buildings damaged, several injuries, and one resident reported dead.
Around 3:45 p.m. on Monday in the midst of the tornado's sudden touchdown, the Old Dominion Flooring warehouse collapsed upon 15 employees, leaving one dead and another injured. The Chesterfield Fire and Rescue Department reports that the victim was identified as 60-year-old Ronnie Bishop.
Videos and photos show the tornado ripping the roofs off of buildings, shattering fences, and sweeping debris several hundred feet up in the air.
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As of Tuesday, September 18, the National Weather Service is surveying the Richmond area to determine the number of tornadoes that touched down. Several tornadoes in Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Richmond, and Powhatan have already been confirmed. The Storm Prediction Center said it received 13 reports of tornadoes across the region Monday afternoon.
The tornado that struck in Chesterfield County about 30 minutes outside of Richmond City on Hull Street Road, clocked in with winds of 120 mph and a funnel width of 350 to 400 feet, based on NWS assessments of the damage it caused.
According to reports, another tornado swept for three miles from Huguenot Road in Richmond to Tuckahoe in Henrico County at 90 to 95 mph.
Among the several other tornadoes witnessed Monday afternoon, another tornado in the Rockville region of Hanover County tracked for one mile with winds from 85 to 95 mph, and another touched down in Powhatan with weaker winds around 80 mph.
The National Weather Service is continuing its assessments as the Richmond region recovers.
If you captured any photos of the tornado, share them with us in the comments. Stay safe.
