By MARVIN HAMLETT

Editor

One man was killed and hundreds of homes were damaged after a powerful tornado ripped through Appomattox County on Wednesday afternoon.

The damage was widespread with dozens of homes destroyed beyond recognition in what is likely the most destructive natural disaster in county history.

The EF3 twister ransacked the communities of Evergreen, Chap and Promise Land, displacing numerous residents and scattering debris and belongings for up to several miles.

In addition, thousands of trees were snapped into like toothpicks, while thousands of others were toppled, roots and all.

Remarkably, only one death was reported from the havoc. Edward K. Harris, 78, of Evergreen was declared dead after his body was found by a search-and-rescue team nearly four hours after the powerful storm tore through his home.

At least seven people were injured, five of whom were treated and released and two of whom required overnight stays in the hospital.

All other county residents have been accounted for.

The tornado was estimated to have touched down at approximately 3:30 p.m., and then subsequently covered a 13-mile swath from Chap to Evergreen.

A tornado watch was upgraded to a tornado warning about 15 minutes before a funnel cloud touched ground.

Other areas of the county also saw wind damage, but none as devastating the three small communities of Chap, Promise Land and Evergreen.

The tornado was precipitated by a sudden 22-degree spike in air temperature that saw the thermometer rise from 44 degrees at 1:30 p.m. to 66 degrees at 3:30 p.m.

Experts believe the tornado will be classified as an EF3 twister with winds believe 136-to-165 miles per hour.

The tornado is also believed to have been 400 yards wide, or nearly a quarter-mile.

It apparently snaked through its path in various directions.

Wednesday’s tornado has been recorded as the third official twister in Appomattox County since records began being kept in 1950.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe had already declared a state of emergency before visiting the Evergreen community Thursday morning.

Appomattox County issued a press release that stated, “We want to extend deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy and will work together as a community over the upcoming weeks to support one another, keep each other safe and overcome the challenges this natural event has brought to Appomattox.”

The tornado was so powerful that brick structures were leveled and trailers were uplifted and heaved far away from their foundations.

At one residence in Evergreen, a trampoline could be seen twisted and wrapped around a utility pole, about 20 feet high.

The tornado also completely destroyed Central Baptist Church and its nearby parsonage in Chap.

Also, Evergreen Methodist Church sustained major damage.

Motorists are being asked to avoid the affected areas hit by the storm.

The unimaginable widespread damage left many residents speechless as they sifted through the scattered remains of their possessions.

Others described a loud, train-like noise that was like a crescendo in advance of the twister, something that seemed almost normal since Evergreen is located adjacent to Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks.

“I thought a train was coming,” said Tony Watts, who lives on Paulette Lane in Evergreen. “I had to grab the door with both hands. We went to the basement and watched the trees fall. I had just gotten home from work. I though the roof of my house was gone. My car is totaled. You’ve got your life, so (I’ll) be happy.”

Jessica Martin, who also lives on Paulette Lane, said she was notified of the tornado warning through an alert on her phone.

“I ran outside to get the dog, then the rain started. I saw a tractor-trailer in the air. I prayed that nothing would come through the house. We got in the hallway and sat there until it was over.”

Jimmy Womack, who lives on Route 460 in Evergreen, lost his garage, as well as his home’s back roof. His vehicles were also damaged, and his camper was destroyed.

“I called my mom to come over from next door to get in our basement, but it had already started,” Womack said. “I told her to lie on the floor. My wife and I went in our basement. When I came out, all I saw was devastation.”

Cathy King of Paulette Lane added, “I had been home for a matter of minutes and the rain started pouring and I head this loud sound. Windows started busting out and you could hear all the trees falling. I’m blessed. I never thought there would be a tornado here. You hear about them in the summertime, not in February.”

Josh Burchett, whose mother was seriously injured when her home was destroyed, said, “I’m glad for the most part everyone is safe. I hope to get set back up0 so we can go back to our regular lives.”

Appomattox County was one of several Virginia towns to be struck by a twister that day.

In Waverly, three people were killed as a tornado carved a 5-mile path of destruction. In Tappahannock, at least 15 structures were destroyed and 25 injured when the storm passed through Essex County and the town of Tappahannock.

Gov. McAuliffe said, “We are mobilizing the National Guard. In our situation room, we know where these storms are. We prepare for this everyday. Our job is to keep citizens safe.”

Appomattox County Administrator Susan Adams is certain that the community will band together to help their fellow residents overcome the latest tragedy.

“As a community we share the power of one,” Adams said Thursday, referring to the Appomattox County High School football team’s rallying cry. “We will rebound and collectively overcome this tragedy.”

For anyone seeking to help in the recover, they can call 434-352-2637.

Daniel Puckette assisted with this article