Here Are the Virginia Cities and Counties Most Damaged by Isaias

The storm brought tornadoes and thunderstorms to the state, and left tens of thousands without power.

On Monday, Tropical Storm Isaias ran through the commonwealth with thunderstorms and tornadoes, leaving countless properties damaged in its wake. States of emergency have been declared in James City County, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and York County. In Hampton Roads, nearly 300,000 people were without power, according to Dominion Energy. 

Unfortunately, storms like Isaias have become more common in the past 20 years, in part due to climate change. 

According to the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, more frequent and intense weather events have unfolded around the world. While extreme weather events, like tropical storms and hurricanes, are influenced by many factors, they say global warming plays a role. 

Here are examples of the significant damage Virginia cities and towns sustained due to its most recent tropical storm. 

James City County

A tornado from Isaias was also reported in James City County, causing multiple trees to fall, but there were no reported injuries. James City County officials report that a wastewater lift station was also damaged, but has remained operational and hasn’t affected the water supply. 

Lancaster County

Virginia State Police asked people avoid Northern Neck in Lancaster County due to the significant damages sustained during Tropical Storm Isaias. The state police are helping Lancaster County’s sheriff office with the aftermath.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, about a dozen roads were closed in Lancaster, as well smaller closings in Caroline, Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Middlesex, and Stafford. 

A man was also found dead on Tuesday morning, after a neighbor went to check on him. The Lancaster County Chief Deputy believes the man died of a medical emergency, according to WRIC.  

Norfolk 

Tropical Storm Isaias caused the First Baptist Church of Lambert’s Point to partially collapse on Tuesday morning. According to the city’s fire officials, when the church collapsed, debris fell on a gas meter which caused a leak. Virginia Natural Gas was on the scene to repair the damage. Norfolk Fire and Rescue tweeted that a significant wind gust caused the collapse. No injuries were reported. 

Suffolk

In Suffolk, King’s Fork High School has been opened as an emergency shelter for those who’ve been affected by Tropical Storm Isaias. At least two tornadoes touched down in the city on Tuesday morning, according to Suffolk spokesperson Diana Klink. Damages to multiple businesses and Fire Station 1 on Market street were reported. 

Southampton County

The Palm Inn on U.S. 58 sustained significant damage due to Tropical Storm Isaias, according to the Southampton County Sheriff’s office. The hotel’s roof was blown off early Tuesday morning. No injuries were reported. The sheriff’s office reports a possible tornado touching down at around 4 a.m. 

Route 58 and Route 211 were closed due to debris, with Route 58 closed in both directions. The Department of Corrections Farmers Market and produce warehouse also sustained significant damage. 

Virginia Beach 

The Virginia Beach Police Department reportedly closed Sandbridge Road at 10 a.m. due to recurrent flooding, caused by the southern winds of the tropical storm. The WAVY weather team says that the winds are expected to die down as the day progresses, but the wind isn’t expected to change direction until Tuesday.