The City of Virginia Beach has declared a state of emergency in the aftermath of a powerful EF-3 tornado that tore through the area on Sunday.

The destructive twister caused significant damage to dozens of homes, resulting in downed trees and gas leaks, CBS News reported.

Thankfully, there have been no immediate reports of injuries, and authorities confirmed on Monday that no individuals were trapped beneath collapsed structures.

However, rescue efforts were undertaken amidst the severe weather conditions.

City officials are currently unable to determine the exact number of homes affected, but they estimate that between 50 and 100 residences have sustained damage.

During a press conference on Monday morning, Virginia Beach City Manager Patrick Duhaney stated that “hundreds of homes” were likely impacted by the tornado.

Duhaney expressed appreciation for the tremendous response from first responders and other city employees, acknowledging that comprehensive information on the extent of the damage is still being gathered.

However, it is evident that numerous homes have been significantly affected.

The Virginia Beach Fire Department shared striking drone footage on Facebook, showcasing the scale of the destruction.

The department conveyed their condolences to the Great Neck community and all those affected by the storm, emphasizing their gratitude that there were no reported fatalities.

Written by staff