Tornadoes in Virginia, September 10, 1997

Deep southerly flow of modified tropical air produce two small spin-up tornadoes in the western Virginia piedmont during the late afternoon. The first touchdown occurred near Orange. A witness at the Piedmont Research Center saw a funnel cloud briefly touch down into a field, causing a debris swirl (most likely dirt and grass). The tornado lifted as quickly as it touched down, near federal highway 15. A survey team noted only a swirling effect flattened grass in the field.A stronger twister touched down about an hour later near Radiant. The twister, witnessed by several onlookers, first moved across a farm field, causing minor damage to a building and an adjacent satellite dish before flipping an empty livestock truck. The truck, which landed on hay bales, was undamaged. The storm moved through a wooded area, then moved into a residential area where a dozen trees were uprooted or snapped. Minor damage was sustained to the houses. The twister then dissipated. Estimated winds ranged from 70 to 80 mph.