The area was devastated April 28 by a tornado with winds of more than 160 mph. It measured a strong EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale (of EF-0 to EF-5). According to the Virginian-Pilot newspaper, the storm developed when a line of thunderstorms formed around Richmond, Virginia, late in the afternoon and began moving eastward. One of the storms broke far ahead of the others, and as it reached the Western Tidewater area of the state, it picked up power from the warmer, moister air and became very unstable.

No one was killed by the tornado and serious injuries were scarce, the paper reported. Damages are thus far estimated at $21 million and climbing as insurance investigators reached the hardest-hit areas.

An initial emergency relief fund of $10,000 from the diocese is being administered through St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 213 North Main Street, Suffolk, VA 23434.

The Rev. Dr. Keith Emerson, St. Paul's rector, is serving as relief coordinator for the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Contributions may be made payable to: St. Paul's Episcopal Church and marked "Emergency Relief Fund." All contributions will go directly to assist victims of the tornado disaster. More information is available from St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 757-539-2478 or email office@saintpauls-suffolk.org.