UPDATE: EF-3 Tornado strikes Virginia Beach Sunday, damaging 115 homes

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WWBT) - UPDATE: The National Weather Service Report is out, confirming the tornado that struck Virginia Beach was an EF-3 with 145mph winds. The tornado was on the ground for 4.5 miles and lasted five minutes from 5:48 p.m. until 5:53 p.m.

An EF-3 tornado struck Virginia Beach Sunday evening, the strongest on record in the city of... — An EF-3 tornado struck Virginia Beach Sunday evening, the strongest on record in the city of Virginia Beach.(WWBT)

The tornado damaged 115 homes in its path according to the City of Virginia Beach. There are no confirmed reports of injuries or deaths!

Click here to read the full report

Radar showed a debris signature around 5:50 to 6 p.m. Sunday as the tornado started lofting debris high into the air, confirming a tornado was in progress.

We've been getting a lot of questions regarding the tornado in Virginia Beach this evening. Based on the debris signature on radar, damage reports, and videos of the storm, we can confirm that there was a tornado. A survey will be conducted tomorrow to determine the rating. pic.twitter.com/1XcBy8keJa
— NWS Wakefield (@NWSWakefieldVA) May 1, 2023

Jen and Scott Toppel took photos and a video as the tornado developed near their home in Virginia Beach. Most of the damage from the tornado was in the Great Neck and River Road area of Virginia Beach, according to Virginia Beach officials.

Jen and Scott Toppel watched as a tornado developed near their home in Virginia Beach late... — Jen and Scott Toppel watched as a tornado developed near their home in Virginia Beach late Sunday afternoon.(Jen Toppel)

The ingredients for a tornadic storm with warm, humid air, and a low pressure center bringing wind shear (changing of wind direction with height) all came together in southeastern Virginia on Sunday. The tornado in Virginia Beach was the only reported tornado in the Commonwealth on Sunday.

Tornadoes can happen any time of year, and can cross rivers, lakes, and mountains.(WWBT)

Be sure you are prepared the next time severe weather threatens by downloading the NBC12 First Alert weather app. You can find the app in the Apple Store and on Google Play.