Southside Weather Updates

UPDATED to give the National Weather Service’s findings on the Alton storm damage.

We’re in contact with lots of sources tonight, and we’ll be putting information that we get into this article. Keep checking back for updates.

• 10:30 PM – We’ve confirmed that a mobile home on Blane Rd. in the Alton VA area has been overturned by high winds. The mobile home was vacant and there were no injuries.
• 11:31 PM – NWS is reporting a tornado on their radar around Redoak.
• 11:40 PM – Road flooding reported in Halifax County – Berry Hill Rd.
• 11:50 PM – Flash Flood Warning for Danville, southeastern Pittsylvania County, southern Halifax County and Caswell (NC) County. This includes the towns of South Boston & Halifax.
• 12:11 AM – Rainfall amounts are still coming in and being compiled by the hydrology computers & experts but as of now, the forecast crest is at 27.5 feet which would close off Riverdale yet again. This number is highly subject to change.
• 12:21 AM – The mobile home damage in Alton has NOT been confirmed as being caused by a tornado as of now. It’s impossible to confirm or refute that in the dark with it still raining.
• 1:15 AM – Person County (NC) officials are reporting tress down and power out in the Moriah area, 12 miles southeast of Roxboro. According to the report, the public reported hearing a “roaring” sound.
• 1:30 AM – Pittsylvania County reporting that Kentuck Rd. (Rt. 732) and Rocksprings Rd. impassable due to flooding. Halifax County reporting North Fork Church Road and 6 other roads are closed due to flooding.
• 5:42 PM – National Weather Service confirms that the Alton damage was caused by a EF-0 with an estimated wind speed of 75 MPH. The maximum width of the tornado was 100 yards and the tornado was on the ground for 1/4 mile. Here’s their breakdown…
  

  The national weather service in Blacksburg VA has confirmed a tornado near Alton in Halifax County Virginia on 03/28/10.

  Based on a survey by the emergency manager of Halifax County…which included a detailed map and many photos sent to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg…we have determined that minor damage just off of Blane Road between Alton and Turbeville…was caused by a brief and weak tornado during the late evening of March 28.

  Several old farm buildings and out buildings had minor roof and siding damage…and at least one large cedar tree was snapped off a few feet above the ground. Damage was scattered in this short one quarter mile path length…and much of the debris was blown in the direction of the storm movement…toward the east-northeast. However…a piece of roofing was carried from the south east side of a building across the path and dropped to the northwest side of the building…suggesting some convergence flow within the overall path. The damage was consistent with a weak tornado…EF0 intensity…with winds of 65 to 85 MPH.

  Much appreciation to Kirby Saunders of Halifax County for a very thorough survey of the property impacted…and for the many photographs.