EF3 tornado in Washington County, Virginia

Glade Spring Tornado. An NWS storm survey reported an EF3 tornado formed south of Abingdon and tracked northeast to the Glade Spring area then moved into Smyth County Virginia. The 140 mph wind speed associated with the tornado, destroyed a small church as well as producing extensive damage to many residences and businesses. The tornado crossed I-81 at the Glade Spring exit (Exit 29) and caused extensive damage to a large truck stop as well as flipping trucks on the property. One truck turned on its side and smashed into the corner of the restaurant.

Three people died and 50 were injured by the tornado. A 59 year old man and a 67 year old women died when the tornado destroyed their mobile homes. In addition, a 71 year old man died in his home. An indirect death occurred when a 60-year-old woman, driving a car rear-ended a stationary tractor trailer.

Favorable atmospheric conditions resulted in a deadly tornado outbreak across southwest Virginia on the 27th. The tornadoes produced from light to heavy damage to many homes and businesses across southeast Virginia. The thunderstorms produced 4 tornadoes across the area along with 4 deaths and 50 injured.