PHOTOS: Powerful Storm Strikes Fredericksburg
Fleming Street was heavily damaged when a rare, powerful storm believed to be either a microburst or possible tornado struck the Fredericksburg area.
The National Weather Service hasn't confirmed if it was a tornado, microburst or some other type of rare storm that caused havoc on Fleming Street just a few miles south of the Fredericksburg border with Spotslvania County.
"We would have to survey to be sure," an NWS representative said today. They can't make a determination at this point and will discuss Monday if they will be sending a surveyor. One things for sure: those directly affected by the storm said it felt like a tornado.
John Bettis, who owns a home that was heavily damaged when the roof from 86 Fleming Street devoured the right side of his home and roof, said he felt his house lift in the air when the storm was at its height. He and his wife, Pamela, were not injured, but Pamela was getting her vitals checked by medics.
"I got out because of the rescue crews," John Bettis said.
More: Earlier updates from the scene of the most-damaged areas.
Joanie Millward
9:51 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
OMG!!!
Dan Telvock
11:40 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
No kidding.
Dan Telvock
11:53 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
A similar storm happened in Bladensburg MD last month...from our sister site: http://hyattsville.patch.com/articles/quick-violent-storm-snaps-trees-stuns-bladensburg#photo-10428328
Don
12:09 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Sure looks like tornado damage to me
Dan Telvock
12:15 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
yes, it did, Don. I'll try to confirm tomorrow err later today..
Tom Byrnes
12:39 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
The Free Lance-Star is annoyed by these photos (while residents are happy to view them). Nice work Dan and Patch readers!
PiedmontN8ive
7:55 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
We live behind Spotswood Estates in Spotswod North. That was such a scary storm. I could not believe the size of the hail!
The entire neighborhood is a mess. There are many trees down, limbs and debris everywhere. Some neighbors back here are still are without power. We were lucky this time - our power was out for only a few hours.
I Love the PATCH - During the power outages I depended on my link for the frequent breaking news and updates about last week's storm and yesterday. Thank you Dan Telvock for your hard work and terrific coverage.
Debby Girvan
8:21 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Yes, Dan nice job! Your breaking news alerts are always the first in my email box. I think you might be the only one covering storms after 5pm and on the weekends. Thank you!
Raymond E Staley
9:50 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
I agree with everyones comments...keep up the great work, Dan!!!
Theresa Campbell
10:47 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Thanks Dan.
Tourist
11:26 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Thank you so much for reporting this, if only because I now know I wasn’t crazy! We’re not from your area, but were near Fredericksburg on 95 returning from vacation when the storm hit. When we realized it was going to be a biggie, we decided to find somewhere to hide out at the next exit, but traffic came to a standstill. Hail pelted our car and winds rocked it for a good fifteen minutes. I’ll never forget the kindness of a restaurant manager who let our little girl use the restroom after the storm, though the power was out and we couldn’t buy anything. I hope you’re all recovering well.
thomas nawn
11:40 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
this is the result of global warming, all the cars and suv we live off 195, leave your car at home if you can
Gina Santschi
11:52 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Thank you for reporting this story. . If not for your posts, we would not know what was happening around town.
Dan Telvock
7:06 pm on Monday, July 9, 2012
Thank you everyone for the kinds words