Tornadoes Slam Virginia - With Little Warning?

NOTE: This blog entry has been superceded by a newer one which has updated information.

UPDATE: I cannot see any reason for claiming short warning time - the radar loops clearly show major rotation in the Suffolk Supercell more than an hour in advance, then reduced rotation increasing to major again 20 minutes before the storm struck. From what I've heard, the NWS warnings were sufficient as well. This area of the country is just not used to tornadoes. (Download* radar movies here).

UPDATE: You can see the raw chase video from BNVN here - check out the multiple vortices swirling around the main center.

Devastating tornadoes hit Virginia yesterday. Suffolk mayor Linda Johnson said in the video below noted that "There was very little warning to this, I believe there were just a few moments that it was on the radar screen" even though another person in the video says that the Suffolk, VA tornado was an F3, something that wouldn't pop up suddenly, so if you'll stay tuned I want to offer up some radar images and verify what the spokesperson said.

PHOTO CAPTION: Aerial view of the damage caused by tornadoes in Suffolk, Va., Tuesday, April 29, 2008. Three tornadoes smashed houses, tossed cars and injured than 200 residents Monday. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Below is chase video of the actual tornado and aerial footage of the damage, David Kerley reporting for ABC's Good Morning America:

NOTE: VIDEO MAY HAVE ADS; VIDEOS NOT AVAILABLE ON WIRELESS DEVICES

And finally here is some terrific (and I mean that by the original definition - terrifying) footage of the damage up close.

NOTE: VIDEO MAY HAVE ADS; VIDEOS NOT AVAILABLE ON WIRELESS DEVICES

PHOTO CAPTION: Twisters Slam Virginia - Apr. 28, 2008 - A man uses his cell phone to record cars damaged by an apparent tornado in a parking lot in Colonial Heights, Va. on Monday April 28, 2008. At least 200 people were injured when at least 3 tornadoes touched down in southeastern Virginia. (AP Photo/Mandana Marsh)

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