The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a tornado warning for Pittsylvania County, Halifax County, Bedford Co. and Franklin County.
The tornado warning for Pittsylvania and Halifax Counties is expected to expire at 5:45 p.m. and the warning for Bedford and Franklin Counties is expected to expire at 5:30 p.m.
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This comes after a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Milton, or 7 miles east of Providence, moving north at 15 mph at 4:59 p.m. About three minutes prior, another severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Northwest Smith Mountain Lake, or near Moneta, moving north at 25 mph.
Locations impacted include:
- Milton
- Elmo
- Blanch
- Ringgold
- Stewartsville
- Northwest Smith Mountain Lake
- Goodview
- Chamblissburg
- Westlake Corner
Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.
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If you live in areas affected by a tornado warning, take cover! NWS says to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
As a reminder, a tornado watch means that forecasted conditions favor tornado development, more urgent than that, is a tornado warning, which means that a tornado is happening or is expected soon.
In addition to this, earlier in the day on Friday, the National Weather Service confirmed a possible tornado in Pittyslvania County with reports of damage to the area.
It was located at 2:49 p.m. near Dry Fork or near Chatham, moving north at 25 mph, the National Weather Service reports.
Below you will find pictures of the damage left behind as reported by River City TV.