APPOMATTOX CO. (WSLS 10) -- Governor Terry McAuliffe visited Appomattox County on Thursday to assess storm damage and meet with first responders.
Appomattox was the first of about six or seven stops for the governor.
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During a brief news conference at Evergreen Baptist Church, McAuliffe said when he flew in Thursday morning there was a trail of damage about 12 to 15 miles long on the ground.
He said the state has 30 days to assess all of the damage and apply for emergency management funds from the federal government.
McAuliffe also commended county and school officials for their decision to keep students in school rather than sending them home during Wednesday's storm. He said that decision helped limit injuries.
One person died in the severe weather in Appomattox County. Sheriff Barry Letterman said Edward Keith Harris, 78, was found near his home on Twin Tunnel Lane around 10 p.m. Wednesday.
Three other people died in Waverly, Virginia. McAuliffe will assess the damage there Thursday afternoon.