Damage estimates increase following Virginia tornado
Officials in eastern Virginia now say the damage from last week's tornado was even more wide-reaching than they had originally estimated.
While initial statements said that approximately a dozen homes had been impacted by the storm, New Kent County officials now say that 30 homeowners may be filing homeowners insurance claims, with at least five properties being called a total loss, The Associated Press reports.
Two other Virginia counties, Quantico and Louisa, were also hit by suspected tornadoes last week. More than 150 homes were left without power, the AP reports, and work crews were called in over the weekend to repair damage to a local school.
A meteorologist from the National Weather Service told the AP that initial estimates say the tornado that hit New Kent County was approximately 200 yards across and had winds of 95 miles per hour.
The tornado represents yet another blow for residents of Louisa County. The area was the focal point of the August earthquake which rattled the Mid-Atlantic region. Louisa County was also hit by Hurricane Irene when it swept up the East Coast.
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- Recovery continues for Michigan tornado victims May 17, 2012
