(WSET) — Thursday marks the third anniversary of the only tornado known to have hit Lynchburg.
On April 15, 2018, a tornado developed near Waterlick in Campbell County, then began a more than 20-mile path northward through the city.
The tornado produced EF-1 and EF-2 damage across Lynchburg.
Timberlake Road, Link Road, Boonsboro and Peakland Place were hard hit.
The twister strengthened after crossing the James River and into Amherst County.
EF-3 damage was rated in Elon as the tornado plowed across homes near Highway 130.
The tornado continued northward for nearly 10 more minutes, later crossing US Highway 60. The tornado dissipated in the mountains.
Six tornadoes were reported in the ABC13 viewing area that day. That same storm also produced an EF-2 tornado causing tree and roof damage in Danville.
Unfortunately, no Tornado Warning was in effect when the tornado first hit Lynchburg. The NWS canceled a Tornado Warning just before the storm moved into the city.
Then at exactly 7:00 p.m., a tornado quickly formed on that Sunday evening. A Tornado Warning was reissued at 7:07 p.m.
The tornado struck Elon near 7:15 p.m.
Throughout the tornado’s life, it remained “rain-wrapped.” Ground spotters could not see the tornado as it was shrouded in heavy rain.
by George Flickinger (2021, Apr 15)
