Press Release – Tornado – April 7, 2017

LANCASTER (VA) – The Director of Emergency Management has declared a Local Emergency for Lancaster County, as a result of the severe weather, including a tornado, on April 6, 2017.

The path of the tornado traveled approx. 3.8 miles over Lancaster County, beginning near Crab Points, through the Town of Irvington and traveling northeast toward the Town of Kilmarnock, before ending behind the Hills Quarter Subdivision. Damage from strong straight-line winds continued from the area of Hills Quarter, for approx. 2.5 miles through the Town of Kilmarnock, including damage to Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital. Damage has been reported to 49 structures, with approximately $2.8 million in total damage. As of this afternoon, power has been restored to most residents and cleanup work continues.

Citizens wishing to dispose of storm related debris and vegetation including shrubs, tree trimmings, bushes, leaves, twigs, cut up limbs or large tree debris, are encouraged to dispose of the debris at the R. L. Self Wood Yard in Lively, located at 6088 Mary Ball Road. Disposal of storm debris will be at no cost to County residents. Debris generated from commercial activities will also be accepted; however, a fee will be incurred by haulers for disposal of debris.

Citizens may bring small quantities of storm debris that can be bagged or contained to County Convenience Centers. Truck loads or trailer loads of debris will be directed to the Lively Wood Yard. Citizens with storm related construction debris may dispose of the debris as normal at the County Convenience Centers.

Any questions regarding the disposal of storm related debris should be directed to the Lancaster County Administration Office or Donald Brown, Supervisor of Solid Waste and Recycling, at (804) 462-5129. Any questions pertaining to disposal of debris at the Lively Wood Yard, please call (804) 462-7913.

Residents who have experienced damage to their properties, requiring a building permit for repair, are eligible for the Lancaster County permit fees to be waived, for storm-related repairs only. Fees for permits not issued for the repair of storm-related damages will continue to be assessed at the normal rate. Any questions regarding building permits and fees should be directed to the Lancaster County Building Office at (804) 462-5124.