Third EF-3 tornado in three years devastates parts of Franklin County

One of at least 11 tornadoes to strike Virginia Friday

ROANOKE, Va. – Saturday, the National Weather Service in Blacksburg confirmed an EF-3 tornado touched down in Franklin county and an EF-1 tornado touched down in Bedford county.

The EF-3, with estimated winds of 159 mph, becomes the third time since February of 2016 that an EF-3 tornado has struck the 10 News viewing area.

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Prior to that, according to tornadoprojects.com, two EF-3 tornadoes struck in a 66-year span.

  • 2019 - Franklin County
  • 2018 - Amhearst County
  • 2016 - Appomattox County
  • 1986 - Charlotte County
  • 1969 - Halifax County
  • Including Friday's tornadoes, seven tornadoes have impacted Franklin County with the strongest being the most recent EF-3. Bedford county has been affected by nine tornadoes including that EF-1 Friday. Data goes back to 1959.

    Damage to Halifax County is being surveyed by the National Weather Service Monday to see if additional tornadoes touched down Friday. At least 11 tornadoes touched down in the commonwealth as part of the severe weather outbreak.


    About the Author:

    Jonathan Kegges joined the News 6 team in June 2019 and now covers weather on TV and all digital platforms.