Update: Three Twisters Rip Through Virginia, State Of Emergency Declared

Suffolk, VA (AHN) - Scores of homes were damaged and hundreds of residents were injured when three tornadoes hit southeastern Virginia Monday afternoon. The first two twisters hit Suffolk at around 5 p.m. The third twister ripped near Lawrenceville, 70 miles south of Richmond.

With scores of homes and properties damaged, including 25 buildings, and hundreds injured by the three tornadoes, Gov. Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency in Virginia. Bad weather continues to be experienced in central Virginia.

Bob Spieldenner of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management estimated at least 200 residents from Suffolk were hurt by the tornadoes. Among the hardest hit area was the Sentara Obici Hospital, but the medical facility is still open and continues to take in patients.

The second twister, which raged across Colonial Heights, 60 miles northeast of the state capital, hurt at least 18 residents. Most of the injuries were cuts and bruises.

CNN footage showed the extent of damage of property in Virginia with roofless homes, vehicles turned turtle, broken tree trunks, a collapsed roof in a newly built shopping mall and furniture, fences and other debris scattered in lawns, streets and parking lots.

CNN quoted Jeff Judkins, Suffolk emergency management coordinator, that some residents were trapped inside their vehicles. City spokeswoman Dana Woodson said an emergency shelter was opened Monday night to help residents cope with what is considered the worst disaster to his Virginia.

The twisters caused power cuts to 18,000 homes and businesses, mostly in Northern Neck. Crews from utility firms were working to bring back power, while cleaners cleared the streets of debris.