FRANKLIN
On Wednesday afternoon, a strong band of thunderstorms began their journey through the Western Tidewater and rest of Hampton Roads. Although the brunt of the storm did not seem to hit our area, the storms did cause wind damage and one of the neighboring localities was severely affected.

There were many reports of strong, gusty winds, rain and hail for the area Wednesday afternoon and through the early night hours.

Many prepared for the storm by canceling meetings and canceling after-school activities. The result of these storms was minor flooding, power outages and wind damage.

There were no reports of significant damage in the City of Franklin, Southampton County or Town of Windsor.

“There was nothing of any significant in town,” Town Manager Michael Stallings said. “We did have one of our police cars get hit by a trampoline at the officer’s house on Blackwater Road.”

The neighboring Town of Waverly did suffer from the brunt of the storm, however, resulting in three fatalities: a 50 year-old man, 26 year-old man and a 2-year old boy, according to Virginia State Police.

After a storm survey on Thursday, the National Weather Service in Wakefield concluded that a Tornado has occurred in Waverly on Wednesday afternoon.

“The tornado began a few miles south-southwest of Waverly…moving fast through the town of Waverly … and ending about five miles north-northeast of Waverly. Max winds were 100-110 MPH … making it a strong EF1 tornado. Numerous trees were downed … with two mobile homes destroyed and several homes and businesses damaged,” the weather service said.

If there has been any damage to your property, please report it and send pictures to editor@tidewaternews.com.