A state of emergency took place when a tornado hit Virginia Beach damaging between 50 and 100 homes.

The tornado damaged River Road and N. Great Neck Road around 6 p.m., April 30, 2023. Due to the amount of damage to the surrounding area, Cox High School, Great Neck Middle School, and John B. Dey Elementary School were closed Monday, May 1.

“It is heartbreaking to see the physical destruction that the tornado caused to so many families homes,” said resident Amy Rivers. “There is a big emotional impact  for them as well; I can’t fathom what they are all going through. It was a great reminder to take severe weather warnings seriously.”

No immediate injuries were reported, according to the Virginia Beach Fire Department, but over 115 structures were damaged. 

Clean up crews started at 8 a.m. Monday morning to help with the destruction of collapsed roofs, fallen trees and gas leaks. The severe weather brought to Virginia Beach prompted the cancellation of the last day of the musical festival, Something In The Water. 

“Officials assessing tornado damage in Virginia Beach said its path was over four miles long with peak winds of almost 150 miles per hour,” according to 13News Now.